Publications
Partners
Dr Pieter Slabbert, the neurosurgeon who did an emergency operation on Ruben Kruger (36) to remove a tumour from the brain of the ex-Springbok captain, is optimistic about his recovery. “Ruben is already walking and is very positive.”
Slabbert says he believes that he managed to remove 90% of the massive tumour.
“I was worried that Ruben could lose strength in his right leg and arm and that his speech could be affected. Because the tumour was situated in the left part of his brain, it would have affected the right side of his body. Luckily it didn’t happen,” he said.
He also confirmed that Kruger might have become paralysed if he hadn’t undergone the operation.
There is a strong possibility that the tumour might be malignant, which means that Ruben would have to undergo a six months’ course of chemotherapy. He is facing a long recovery, but is willing to face any challenge.
– Cobus Claassen, Die Burger, January 2007
