In a groundbreaking surgical procedure at the Hospital do Câncer de Cascavel in Brazil, a patient remained awake and actively knitted during a complex operation to remove a brain tumor. The unusual approach allowed surgeons to monitor the patient’s neurological functions in real-time, protecting critical areas of the brain responsible for speech and motor skills as they worked. this case highlights the growing field of awake craniotomy and its potential to improve outcomes for patients facing delicate brain surgeries.
Knitting helped the patient stay calm during surgeryTV RPC/Reprodução
Published December 31, 2025 12:35
A woman in Brazil remained awake and continued her favorite hobby – knitting – during a complex brain surgery, a remarkable case highlighting innovative techniques used to protect vital neurological functions. The procedure, performed at the Hospital do Câncer de Cascavel, allowed surgeons to monitor the patient’s brain activity in real-time, safeguarding her speech and motor skills.
Elidamaris Ferreira Martins, a farmer from Cascavel, Paraná, underwent the surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. Subsequent tests revealed the cancer had metastasized to her brain, affecting areas responsible for speech and movement. This development necessitated a unique surgical approach.
Neurosurgeon Bruno Amorim explained that keeping the patient awake and engaged in a manual task, like knitting, is crucial in these types of cases. “When we have lesions in these regions, this awake surgery allows us to control all of the patient’s functions during the procedure, in real time,” Amorim said.
The technique allows surgeons to immediately identify and avoid damaging critical areas of the brain. By continuously monitoring the patient’s responses during a task requiring fine motor skills and cognitive function, the surgical team can ensure minimal disruption to essential neurological pathways. This approach is becoming increasingly common in complex brain surgeries.
Prior to the surgery, Martins had undergone chemotherapy. She reported experiencing no pain during the operation and was able to communicate normally with the medical team throughout the procedure. She will continue with cancer treatment following the surgery.
Amorim added that the activities chosen for these interventions also help the patient remain calm and focused. The successful outcome of Martins’ surgery underscores the potential of combining advanced surgical techniques with patient-centered care to improve outcomes in challenging neurological cases.
