LIBERIA —In a groundbreaking development for Tappita, Liberia, the Jackson F. Doe Hospital has successfully performed the country’s first laparoscopic surgery.
Led by Dr. Ponnie Robertlee Dolo MD Ph.D., the hospital continues to make significant strides in Liberia’s medical history.
This achievement adds to the hospital’s list of pioneering accomplishments, as it was also the first in Liberia to perform a Craniotomy, Trans-Urethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and introduce computerized tomography (CT) scan imaging.
Laparoscopic surgery, often referred to as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery, allows surgeons to access the abdomen and pelvis without large incisions.
Dr. Dolo, the Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of the hospital, is Liberia’s sole trained laparoscopic surgeon.
According to Dr. Dolo, laparoscopic surgery reduces the risk of complications and leaves minimal scars on patients.
He explained, “Laparoscopic surgery is a new technology widely used in developed countries for the majority of surgical procedures. It leaves almost no scars as the technology does not require opening up a patient, as is usually the case with traditional surgery.”
The procedure utilizes a range of fiber-optic instruments, including cameras, a light source, a central processing unit, and video technology.
This advanced equipment provides surgeons with improved access and enhanced visualization during surgery, leading to better outcomes.
During laparoscopic surgery, tiny ports are used to introduce the camera, and the surgical image is displayed on a screen.
Dr. Dolo emphasized that most patients can be discharged within a day or two after the operation due to the absence of large incisions, reducing the risk of wound infection or breakdown.
Additionally, patients experience a faster recovery and return to their normal lives compared to traditional methods.
Dr. Dolo expressed his vision for laparoscopic surgery to become a routine part of the hospital’s surgical services at Jackson F. Doe.
However, he acknowledged the need for additional investments to secure a consistent electricity supply, as well as additional equipment and supplies.
The hospital has made efforts to address the electricity supply issue by installing solar power units in various locations, including the operating theatre, central laboratory, and admission wards.
Despite these efforts, further work is required to ensure sufficient electricity generation for seamless operations.
Stepping into a new surgical revolution
The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCGS) has highlighted the complex burden of diseases faced by many low-middle-income countries (LMICs), including infectious diseases, maternal diseases, neonatal diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries.
Furthermore, the incidence of surgical diseases is projected to significantly increase in LMICs, leading to a substantial rise in the demand for surgical services in these regions until 2030.
This projection is particularly relevant for sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of countries are classified as LMICs.
In the case of sub-Saharan Africa and other LMICs, the LCGS has pointed out that deficits in the surgical workforce often reflect broader challenges in the public sector.
The lack of national policies and insufficient coordination led by central governments undermine the delivery of surgical services.
To address these challenges and improve access to surgical interventions, the LCGS suggests the utilization of computer-assisted surgery, also known as robotic surgery.
This approach involves the use of specially designed machines to assist or perform surgical procedures, offering a potential solution for the continent.
The LCGS acknowledges the strong desire among surgeons and patients in LMICs to access laparoscopic surgery.
However, barriers such as high installation costs, equipment maintenance issues, unstable electricity supply, and limited availability of essential consumable items like medical-grade carbon dioxide hinder access.
An article in New African highlights that robot-assisted surgery is still in its early stages and currently too expensive for widespread use in Africa.
However, costs are gradually decreasing, and training programs like the Da Vinci system are improving and becoming more affordable.
Additionally, hospitals can pool their resources to purchase robotic systems and employ qualified staff.
The cost-efficiency of robotics can be enhanced by a large volume of patients needing surgery, making mobile robotic units an exciting prospect. This would allow surgeons in remote areas to access these systems.
It is undeniable that the provision of surgical interventions in Africa still lags behind other regions. Robotic surgery has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional systems and bridge this gap.
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