SANDAKAN: Hospital Duchess of Kent (HDOK) has successfully performed its first “free flap” surgery, marking a major breakthrough in oral and maxillofacial treatment in eastern Sabah.
The 15-hour procedure involved removing a 400-gram tumour from a young male patient’s lower jaw, affected by ameloblastoma for over five years, before reconstructing it using bone from his leg with computer-assisted planning.
Led by Dr Jeremy Lee Ju Kuan and a team of specialists from across Sabah, the operation highlights strong inter-hospital collaboration.
The patient is now in good condition and satisfied with the outcome.
The success is expected to advance specialised healthcare services in the state.
