The medical team members are seen after the operation. — Photo from Facebook/FB Rasmi Hospital Umum Sarawak
KUCHING (Oct 22): The Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) has made history by successfully performing its first two craniosynostosis surgeries.
The complex operation reshapes a baby’s skull to allow the brain to grow properly.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian lauded the achievement, describing it as a proud milestone for Sarawak and a testament to the dedication of local medical professionals.
“Heartiest congratulations to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Department of Neurosurgery of SGH for performing the first two cases of craniosynostosis surgery on Oct 16 and 17,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the surgeries mark not only the first time such procedures were conducted in Sarawak but also the first outside Kuala Lumpur.
“This is truly an exemplary spirit of Sarawak nation building, with everyone playing their role and doing their part for Sarawak and for fellow Sarawakians,” he said.
He commended the specialists and staff involved for their professionalism, resilience, and determination despite challenges such as underfunding, suboptimal facilities, and manpower shortages.
“All these milestone achievements are only possible because of the sheer spirit, resilience, and passion of our medical specialists who go beyond the call of duty for the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim revealed that SGH requires an additional RM10 million this year to improve equipment and facilities, and assured that the state government would continue to negotiate with the Ministry of Health on Sarawak’s health autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He also extended his best wishes to both young patients for a speedy recovery and the opportunity to grow up healthy and lead normal lives.
Photo shows one of the procedures performed during a surgery. — Photo from Facebook/FB Rasmi Hospital Umum Sarawak
According to SGH’s official Facebook page, the landmark procedures were conducted through a collaborative effort between the hospital’s Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Neurosurgery, with support from a visiting team from Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) and Bintulu Hospital.
The visiting HKL team comprised Plastic Surgery Service head Mr Mohd Ali Mat Zain; Ms Hamidah Mohd Zainal; Dr Lam Hui Yuan; and neurosurgeon Dr Fadzlishah Johanabas Rosli.
The Sarawak plastic surgery team included Dr Daphne Stephen, Dr Ragnild Redit, Dr Lee Jia Yuan, and Dr Adriana Alfi from Bintulu Hospital, while the SGH neurosurgery team was led by Dr Low Peh Hueh.
The anaesthesia team was headed by Dr Teo Shu Ching and supported by SGH’s nursing, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and postsurgical wards (PSW) teams.
SGH said both paediatric patients are currently recovering well in the PICU and PSW, and are being closely monitored post-operatively.
“This milestone reflects the strength of inter-hospital collaboration and marks a major step forward in complex craniofacial surgery capabilities in Sarawak,” the hospital said, adding that the achievement showcases the hospital’s growing capacity in advanced paediatric craniofacial surgical care.
In the Facebook post, SGH also explained craniosynostosis is a condition where a baby’s skull bones close too early, before the brain has fully developed.
This can result in an abnormal head shape and, in some cases, affect brain growth.
Common signs include an uneven head shape, a hard ridge along the skull, early closure of the soft spot (fontanelle), slow head growth, and in some cases, headaches, vision problems, or developmental delays.
SGH emphasised that early detection and treatment — often through surgery — are crucial in preventing complications and supporting healthy brain development.
“If you notice anything unusual about your baby’s head shape or growth, speak to a doctor for referral to a paediatric neurosurgeon or plastic reconstructive surgeon. Awareness and early action can change a child’s future,” the hospital advised.