First Successful Endovascular Treatment of a Cerebral Aneurysm in Senegal by CHNCAK
The Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim National Hospital Center (CHNCAK) in Touba recently achieved a historic milestone by successfully performing the first endovascular treatment of a cerebral aneurysm in Senegal. This medical achievement, made possible through interventional neuroradiology, marks a decisive turning point in improving healthcare in our country.
The procedure was performed on a 30-year-old patient suffering from a giant aneurysm of the right carotid artery termination. It was carried out by a highly skilled Senegalese team under the leadership of Dr. Papa Ibrahima Ndiaye, head of the neurosurgery department. This operation, which until now was only available in Europe or the United States, was made possible thanks to collaboration with the CHU of Caen in France, which provided medical supplies worth ten million CFA francs.
Endovascular treatment, also known as embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for the treatment of aneurysms without the need for open surgery. This technique reduces risks, shortens recovery times, and improves outcomes for patients, offering a therapeutic alternative to traditional surgical interventions.
In addition to this successful procedure, two other patients were diagnosed at CHNCAK. A 14-year-old girl was successfully operated on the following day, while a third patient, aged 56, chose to undergo surgery in France. The two patients operated on at CHNCAK received free care, thanks to the combined efforts of the hospital staff and their French partners.
The cost of this type of treatment, estimated at around 23 million CFA francs, highlights the significance of this advancement for Senegal. By enabling these procedures to be performed locally, CHNCAK not only reduces costs for patients but also decreases the need for medical evacuations abroad.
The Senegalese health institutions' management praised this achievement as a significant step forward for the country's healthcare system. This first procedure is just the beginning of future collaborations aimed at strengthening the skills of local neurosurgeons and increasing the number of specialists available in Touba and other hospitals in Senegal.
The Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim Hospital, which has been open for just over a year, continues to make rapid progress towards the full opening of all its services, further establishing its role as a leader in healthcare in Senegal.