The Ministry of Health announced on Apr. 3 that doctors at the Hospital de Emergencias Pediátricas successfully saved the life of an 11-year-old girl from Sullana, Piura, who suffered from a congenital arteriovenous malformation in her brain. This condition can cause severe intracranial bleeding if not treated promptly.
The case highlights the role of telemedicine and coordinated care in managing complex medical emergencies. Specialists first evaluated the girl’s symptoms—severe headaches and vomiting—through a teleconsultation before arranging her air transfer to Lima for advanced treatment.
A multidisciplinary team at the hospital performed both a cerebral angiography and complete surgical removal of the malformation during one procedure. The operation used advanced technology, including intraoperative brain ultrasound and real-time angiography, which allowed for greater precision and safety during surgery.
The surgical team was led by Dr. José Cenzano, along with physicians Jefferson Chávez and Vladimir Paredes, anesthesiologist Dr. Susana Valenzuela, and nurse Fiorella Guzmán. After several hours in surgery, they removed the ruptured malformation, preventing further bleeding and significantly reducing the risk of neurological complications.
“For me it has been a very big test, but my daughter has been born again,” said the girl’s mother about her experience with the medical staff’s professionalism and compassion. The patient is currently recovering well under specialized medical supervision and will continue rehabilitation through physical therapy.
This case demonstrates how coordination within Peru’s health system—including teleconsultations—and specialized facilities enable timely care for complex cases regardless of patients’ locations.
