SCGH Medical Marvel
Hannah McPierzie
Imagine having to choose between walking and hearing for the rest of your life.
That was the decision Hannah McPierzie had to make when told of the potential consequences of either leaving a brain tumour undisturbed or having surgery to remove it.
Ultimately, Hannah decided to proceed with extraordinary invasive surgery to remove the tumour and began preparing herself for a life without sound. There was one glimmer of hope offered to Hannah; the possibility of implanting an auditory brain stem which may have given her back some hearing, but not with certainty.
Hannah's partner said that upon learning about the auditory surgery, they looked at hospitals and surgeons all over the world who could possibly perform it and decided that the best team was right here in Perth.
Dr Jaffri Kuthubutheen is an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specialises in treating conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as head and neck surgery). Dr Kuthubutheen performed the 18-hour surgery along with Dr Dayse Tavora-Vierira, a specialist team from the newly formed state-wide audiology service at Fiona Stanley Hospital and doctors and nurses from SCGH.
The operation was a resounding success and Hannah said, “I am incredibly grateful for our public health system here in WA and the amazing team that treated me, with special thanks to Dr Dayse Tavora-Vieira, Dr Arul Bala and Dr Jafri Kuthubutheen. “It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my life to them and that they will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Hannah's story was featured on the ABC.
Watch: Auditory brain implants - GovNews (external site)
Dr Kuthubutheen, Hannah McPierze and Dr Tavora-Vierira