THE Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) has become the first hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa to perform brain surgery using sound wave technology.

Dr Mpoki Ulisubisya, the MOI executive director, shared this achievement yesterday during the opening of the 4th MOI neuro-oncology and critical care course at the Ummy Mwalimu conference hall at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam.

Noting that the breakthrough reduces the need for extensive head openings, leading to smaller scars and shorter recovery times for patients, he said that the technology enables specialists to treat brain tumours, whether cancerous or otherwise, through a small incision.

This method significantly reduces the impact on the patient’s body, he said, affirming that MOI is the first hospital facility in Sub-Saharan Africa to use this technology, “and we are proud to lead the way.”

He underlined expectations that MOI's expertise will enable the facility to train medical professionals from East and Central Africa, expect to come to Tanzania for the specialized clinical procedures. “We are hopeful that this development will solidify our reputation as a leader in brain surgery,” he specified.

Dr Laurent Mchome, the director of brain, spine and neurological surgery services at MOI, explained that the collaboration with the University of Colorado began in 2013. American experts visited MOI, where they taught new surgical methods, marking the start of the transition from traditional surgery to sound wave technology.

Dr Rayn Ormond, a specialist neurologist from the University of Colorado, appreciated the government’s approval of the training, a weeklong session from Monday to Friday.

Specialists from various institutions, including the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) and regional referral hospitals of Bugando (Mwanza) and Mbeya, MNH and its Mloganzila branch, the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma, and the Lugalo military hospital are among those attending the course.