Easter Dedication: Neurosurgery Team Saves Patient’s Limbs on Good Friday

On Good Friday, 3rd April 2026, while the rest of the country celebrated the Easter weekend, the dedicated Neurosurgery Team at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) put aside the holiday to perform a life- and limb-saving surgery for a 26-year-old patient.

The patient had rapidly deteriorating spinal canal stenosis with multilevel spinal cord compression, caused by juvenile idiopathic arthritis and early degenerative disease. In just three days, she progressed from walking to being completely bedridden, with total loss of power in her legs and reduced sensitivity in her upper limbs.
Recognizing the urgency, the Neurosurgery Team performed an emergency cervical spine decompressive laminectomy, which commenced at 14:50 hours and concluded successfully at 21:50 hours. Following the surgery, the patient regained immediate movement in her legs and is now recovering steadily in the ward.
The Surgical Team:

Dr. Lubasi Manyando – Lead Surgeon (Consultant Neurosurgeon)
Dr. Jones Njobvu – Assistant Surgeon (Neurosurgeon)
Dr. Joseph Mutambo – Assistant Surgeon (Neurosurgery Registrar)
Rachael Tembo, Shazia, Mr. Musonda – Anaesthesia Team
Sisters Serah, Lweendo, and Lilian – Nursing Team
This remarkable effort highlights the commitment and professionalism of LMUTH’s healthcare staff, who continue to deliver world class care even during holidays.
We wish the patient a full and speedy recovery and thank our Neurosurgery, Anaesthesia, and Nursing Teams for their dedication and tireless service to the community.
At LMUTH, care never takes a holiday.