The Riverside Medical Center Inc. has marked another major milestone in cardiovascular care with the successful completion of the first carotid endarterectomy performed on an awake patient in Negros Island. The landmark procedure was conducted on August 12, 2025, at the hospital’s Cardiovascular Operating Room.
The pioneering surgery was led by Dr. Hamabad Ranile Jr., a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, with Dr. Teofilo Manuel II serving as assistant surgeon. Anesthesia care was provided by Dr. Roger Alburo and Dr. Carlo Ray Escollar. The operating room team included scrub nurses Erna Mae Lomugdang and Kenelyn Songaling, with Rosemarie Casugod as the circulating nurse.
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes plaque buildup from the carotid arteries, restoring proper blood flow to the brain and significantly reducing the risk of stroke. Performing the operation while the patient is awake allows surgeons to monitor neurological function in real time, enhancing patient safety and surgical precision throughout the procedure.
This achievement reflects Riverside Medical Center’s commitment to advancing healthcare in the region. The surgical team did good in introducing an innovative approach that brings world-class cardiovascular care closer to the people of Negros.