By Our Health Reporter
OMAN – A Nigerian IT professional, who spent seven agonizing years battling a rare, aggressive face tumour that was pushing into his brain, has finally been given a second chance at life thanks to a team of incredible doctors in Oman.
Michael Ojabo, 38, suffered a terrifying ordeal that began in 2018 with what felt like a simple blocked nose. It quickly escalated into intense facial pressure and a horrific bulging eye, as a deadly, yet non-cancerous, tumour took hold.
Michael, whose world was turned upside down by the diagnosis of an Inverted Papilloma, was heartbreakingly turned away by multiple hospitals in his home country.
The tumour was so rare and so critically located—spreading from his nasal cavity right up into his brain and eye socket—that doctors feared the risks were too high.
“I had spent years seeking treatment. What was meant to be a simple blockage turned into a debilitating illness,” Michael said. He was left in despair after being told by doctors at home that they couldn’t help him.
Facing a hopeless future, the IT pro began desperately searching the globe for someone who would take a chance on him.
11-HOUR MIRACLE
Finally, after extensive online searching, Michael found a beacon of hope thousands of miles away at the Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital in Muscat, Oman.
He chose the hospital not just for its reputation, but for the confidence and clear guidance he received from the specialist team.
On May 24, 2025, an all-Omani and regional team—including experts in brain, eye, and nose surgery—assembled for what would be an epic 11-hour operation.
The brilliant surgical team, led by Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Macki, Senior Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, and Dr. Shashivadhanan, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery, performed a complex craniotomy—temporarily removing a piece of his skull—to get to the deadly growth.
They used a mix of endoscopic and open surgery, with advanced tech like image-guided navigation, to meticulously scoop out the entire tumour while protecting his vital brain and vision.
In a massive testament to the skill of the medics, Michael was taken off his breathing tube on the very same day and was discharged from the hospital just five days later.
The surgery was a complete success. Follow-up scans confirmed the entire tumour was gone, with no damage to his brain or vision.
“Choosing to come to Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital for my treatment was truly life-changing. I am forever grateful for giving me a second chance at life,” a relieved Michael reflected.
Today, his facial appearance is back to normal, and he is living a healthy, active life again, proving that borders are no barrier to life-saving, world-class care.
