The HKCH Neurosurgery service provides precise and personalised multi-disciplinary care for children with congenital or acquired complex neurosurgical conditions, such as brain tumor, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, tethered cord syndrome, craniosynostosis and neuro-vascular problems. Since 2019, the team has performed over 180 operations. It now handles most of the new paediatric neurosurgical cases referred by public hospitals or the private sector.

▲Craniosynostosis is one of the uncommon disorders treated by Neurosurgery. It happens when one or some of the joints between the bones of the skull close prematurely, resulting in head deformation.

Neurosurgery is one of the first HKCH specialties to launch tele-consultation service, allowing patients to attend follow-up at home and thus reducing the risk of infection. Doctors are able to monitor patients’ progress by observing their wound and gait through the screen, in addition to imaging reports.

The team has also managed to shorten the post-operation hospital stay for stable patients. Dr Wilson Ho, Consultant in-charge of Neurosurgery said, "Parents are more confident to bring their child home knowing that they can contact us anytime. Before discharge, we will explain the patients’ condition and wound care techniques. Sometimes parents wonder if the wound is infected after removing the dressing, or whether they can wash hair. They can send us photos or videos, and we will assess if they need to come back for treatment immediately."

Young fencer with malformed brain blood vessels ready to shine again

Ten year-old fencer Hayden suddenly lost mobility on this left side one day, so his parents took him to the A&E. To their surprise, he was diagnosed with haemorrhage and arteriovenous malformation in the brain, an abnormal tangle of blood vessels which disrupts blood flow and oxygen circulation. He was then transferred to HKCH for surgery to excise the large lesion located near the brain surface and clear the blood clot.

Hayden’s mother said, "The neurosurgeon explained the surgery procedures and risks very clearly, so we trusted the team and decided to go ahead. Everything at HKCH was so efficient, which left us no time to worry. MRI was arranged upon admission, and the surgery was done the day after we met the doctor."

After the operation, Hayden was observed in the ICU. Intensive rehabilitation began at once. He practised walking with assistive devices at first, and then switched to crutches. After discharge, he returned to the hospital every day diligently for physiotherapy and made good progress.

▲Tailor-made training helps budding fencer Hayden regain his strength and coordination after brain surgery.

Three months after the surgery, MRI scan showed normal brain blood vessels and his wound had healed. He was thrilled to get a green light from the doctor to resume fencing practice. Hayden is grateful to the people who have helped him throughout the journey, which he sees as a good lesson for himself, "I am not afraid of any difficulties and I can endure all kinds of tough training!"

▲The doctor asks Hayden to perform different actions to evaluate his recovery.

▲The family is relieved to learn from the doctor that Hayden’s wound has healed well.