On the Frontline: Ukraine’s Neurosurgeons Leading the Charge

Frontline Neurosurgery: A Lifeline in Ukraine

Courtesy of Dr. Rocco Armonda

Historic Hospital at the Heart of Conflict

Located in Dnipro, Ukraine, Mechnikov Hospital has a storied past, dating back to the Crimean War of the 1850s. Today, it stands just 60 miles from the frontline of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, playing a pivotal role in treating severe brain injuries.

With the assistance of visiting U.S. neurosurgeons, Ukrainian doctors are performing advanced surgeries using state-of-the-art technology. The hospital has become a crucial destination for soldiers with life-threatening head injuries.

Rapid Response to Critical Injuries

“Our protocol at Mechnikov Hospital mandates that surgery begins within two hours of a patient’s arrival,” explains Dr. Andriy Sirko, head of neurology. This swift response is essential, especially given the high volume of war-related injuries since the conflict’s escalation in 2014.

Dr. Sirko and his team have adapted to the increasing number of casualties by developing a comprehensive surgical approach, often completing multiple procedures in a single operation.

Challenges of a War Zone

The hospital’s proximity to the conflict zone means that injured soldiers can receive treatment the same day they are wounded. However, transporting them has become more difficult due to the threat of Russian attacks on helicopters and vehicles.

Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to operate, even after a missile strike last October that caused significant damage but fortunately resulted in no casualties.

A Legacy of Medical Excellence

Established in 1798, Mechnikov Hospital has a rich history, having treated soldiers during the Crimean War. Today, it remains a vital medical facility, albeit with a Soviet-era aesthetic that contrasts sharply with its modern surgical capabilities.

Dr. Rocco Armonda, a U.S. neurosurgeon, has been impressed by the hospital’s advanced equipment and the innovative techniques developed by Ukrainian surgeons, which often surpass those used in past U.S. military conflicts.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Dr. Armonda, who has visited Mechnikov multiple times, has contributed to the hospital’s resources by providing essential supplies and helping acquire cutting-edge equipment like angiography machines and surgical microscopes.

He notes that Ukrainian surgeons have adapted civilian medical devices for wartime use, enhancing their effectiveness in treating complex injuries.

The Relentless Reality of War

In his office, Dr. Sirko displays shrapnel removed from patients’ brains, a stark reminder of the war’s brutality. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his work, with numerous surgeries scheduled each week.

The dedication of Dr. Sirko and his team at Mechnikov Hospital exemplifies the resilience and innovation required to provide life-saving care in a conflict zone.

NPR’s Hanna Palamarenko contributed to this report from Dnipro, Ukraine.