Doctors Donate Skills for Life-Changing Epilepsy Surgery

Two patients at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town are finally seizure-free after specialist doctors donated their skills to perform surgeries they'd been waiting two years to receive.

On February 21, doctors from both public and private sectors volunteered their Saturday to launch the Restoring Independence through Surgery for Epilepsy (Rise) initiative. The program creates dedicated surgery time for adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy at the public hospital.

"Epilepsy is the second-most-common neurological condition after stroke, but there's still all the stigma associated with it," said Dr Aayesha Soni, one of the participating specialists. She emphasized that while epilepsy surgery isn't an option for everyone, carefully selected patients gain tremendous opportunities from the procedure.

The initiative addresses a critical gap in South Africa's public health system. Resource constraints and high patient loads mean people often wait extended periods for elective procedures, even when those surgeries could dramatically improve their quality of life.

The Ripple Effect

The success of this first surgery day has sparked momentum for sustainable change. Organizers hope to establish regular ring-fenced theatre lists specifically for epilepsy surgeries, ensuring more patients can access this life-changing care without years-long waits.

For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery can mean the difference between constant seizures and independence. The condition affects daily activities like driving, working, and simply living without fear of the next episode.

By bringing together specialists who donate their expertise, the Rise initiative proves that collaborative action can bridge healthcare access gaps. The model demonstrates how professional generosity can supplement strained public resources without compromising quality of care.

The two patients who received surgery that Saturday are now recovering with hope for seizure-free futures, and they won't be the last to benefit from this growing movement.