President Jose Raul Mulino has returned to the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital in Colon to congratulate the medical team that performed the facility’s first-ever Craniotomy for a brain tumor. The historic surgery took place on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking a major milestone for healthcare in Colon Province.
A 50-year-old female patient arrived at the emergency room suffering from seizures. Neurosurgeons Dr. Hector Lezcano and Dr. Francisco Medina acted quickly. They successfully removed the brain tumor. The patient now recovers in the intensive care unit under sedation and constant monitoring. Doctors are managing her post-surgical brain swelling.
First Complex Neurosurgery Ends Patient Transfers to Capital
This high-complexity procedure opens a new era for neurosurgical care in the region. Patients from Colon no longer need to travel to Panama City for specialized brain surgery. President Mulino personally praised the young specialists during his hospital visit.
“This demonstrates the quality and level of medicine being offered here for Colon and its residents,” President Mulino said. [Translated from Spanish]
Dr. Lezcano explained that the tumor samples will now go to pathology. The analysis will determine the specific cell type and provide a definitive diagnosis. The medical team remains focused on the patient’s recovery progress.
Hospital Performance Data Shows Strong Results
President Mulino toured the hospital wards during his visit. He checked on operations in neonatology and hemodialysis units. He also spoke with patients and families in the outpatient consultation pavilion. They confirmed their satisfaction with the care they are receiving.
“This is a good example of integrated health services,” the president stated. “It is a hospital operating under the Ministry of Health Panama and the Social Security Fund without any problems. We are saving costs and, above all, delivering first-world operations.” [Translated from Spanish]
The hospital data is impressive. Between December 2025 and March 2026, medical staff performed 5,038 surgeries. They treated 49,161 emergency cases during that same period. Patient discharges totaled 3,861. The pharmacy dispensed 140,892 medications. Laboratory teams conducted 246,170 tests. Radiology completed 16,429 simple X-rays, 2,422 ultrasounds, and 2,661 CT scans.
President Mulino noted that the hospital maintains the same efficiency and cleanliness as when it first opened in June 2025. The facility represents a joint effort between national health institutions. It serves as a model for modern medical care outside the capital city.
The successful brain surgery eliminates the need for critical patient transfers. Families in Colon can now access advanced neurosurgery locally. This reduces costs and stress for patients who previously faced long journeys for treatment.
Dr. Lezcano and Dr. Medina continue monitoring their patient closely. The medical team expects to release more details once pathology results are complete. The hospital administration confirmed that the Manuel Amador Guerrero Hospital plans to expand its neurosurgical capabilities further in coming months.
This achievement signals a shift in Panama’s healthcare landscape. Rural and provincial hospitals are proving they can handle complex procedures. The government’s investment in regional medical infrastructure is showing tangible results for patients.