Guyana lags in health care delivery but the country is forging ahead to close that gap by now offering surgeries without having to cut open the entire stomach (Laparoscopic surgery).
Laparoscopic surgery now leads the way for a faster recovery time for a patient.
It is a surgical technique in which short, narrow tubes (trochars) are inserted into the abdomen through small (less than one centimetre) incisions. Through these trochars, long, narrow instruments are inserted.
This service is now being offered by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC). Now for the first time, the hospital is undertaking this surgery on a patient diagnosed with cancer.
A Linden resident, 58-year-old Keith Murray was the first patient for the surgery. He was diagnosed with Gastric Cancer or Stomach Cancer some nine months ago. He now is Cancer free.
Keith Murray now a healthy individual ago with more years to live, was introduced
to the public along with some members of the team who conducted the surgery.
During the press conference, Dr. Hemraj Ramcharran explained that the surgery stands as a step ahead of a modern health care service offered.
“This represents a major milestone for us at GPHC and Guyana because this is the type of surgery that has been done in developed countries, in the North American countries.
“We are happy with the success that we have gotten. Most surgeries are done via Laparoscopic because it has many advantages over open surgeries in terms of faster return to work.
“The patients are on feet the very next day; they are able to eat earlier; they are able to get back to their normal life faster.”
Gastric Cancer is said to be the fourth most common cancer in men.
In Guyana, in the past, such surgeries to heal patients were done with the opening of the entire stomach to reach the area affected.
A team was developed within the Health Sector. It consisted of several members and the procuring of equipment to now have the surgery done for the first time in that matter was pursued.
Dr. Ramcharran said that now the hospital’s main goal is to build capacity.
“The hospital has four surgical teams and we are presently training young surgeons. Dr. Ramnnarine is one such surgeon in this advanced Laparoscopic technique.
“So the average surgery done should be Laparoscopic. We are hoping to get more equipment so that we will have a free flow of surgeries.”
Mr. Murray pointed out that throughout his time in hospital, he trusted the team. He said the results is good to the point where he feels very well.
“Honestly, I felt comfortable with these guys, that is the whole thing. So, I don’t feel any way really and God was with me, I guess. I didn’t feel no way, I felt comfortable because the first thing they told me is that they are going to make me alright.” Mr. Murray stated.
Going ahead Mr. Murray advised that people should always check on their health to ensure that they are always healthy.
