Nine-year-classic Anne is recovering after a complex brain surgery at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital aimed at controlling severe epilepsy. The procedure, featured in the Dutch program Het Kinderziekenhuis, involved removing the area of her brain responsible for triggering frequent seizures – an average of twenty per day.
The decision to proceed with surgery came after years of battling the condition and its impact on Anne’s daily life. “I am very happy that I can be operated on,” Anne shared before the procedure. While hopeful, the surgery carried inherent risks, as any intervention in the brain can potentially affect vital functions. “If a blood vessel were to rupture or spasm, there’s a chance of a slight stroke, which could cause unintended damage,” explained neurosurgeon Friso Hoefnagels.
Prior to the definitive surgery, Anne underwent a separate procedure to pinpoint the exact location in her brain causing the seizures. This careful mapping gave the surgical team confidence in their approach. “We think People can do it safely, without having to worry about her developing permanent language problems,” the doctor assured Anne’s mother, Christel.
As Anne was prepared for the operation on February 16, 2026, her mother expressed her anxiety. “I do notice that I have tension in my stomach and a little stomach ache,” Christel said. Remarkably, Anne remained calm, stating, “It’s not scary, due to the fact that I’ve already had it three times.” This resilience highlights the emotional toll chronic illness can take on young patients and their families.
The surgery itself was successful, with doctors reporting no further epileptic activity in Anne’s brain immediately following the procedure. “It’s so nice. It’s just the best scenario so far,” Christel said, relieved. However, the true success of the surgery will only be determined over time. “If people are seizure-free for a year or two, then the surgery is considered successful,” Hoefnagels noted.
Three days after the operation, Anne was discharged and has been seizure-free since. This case underscores the potential benefits of targeted neurosurgery for individuals with intractable epilepsy, offering a path towards improved quality of life.
Het Kinderziekenhuis airs every Monday at 8:30 PM on RTL 4.
