By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Nov. 23, GNA – The Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), the primary referral health institution in the Central Region, is set to carry out its full-scale laparoscopic surgeries on eight patients on Monday, December 16.
The medical feat marks a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgical techniques that is revolutionising surgical practices and offering patients a modern alternative to traditional surgery.
Laparoscopy is commonly known as “minimally invasive surgery” or “keyhole surgery” because it requires smaller cuts than traditional surgery.
It is knowned for its capacity to reduce pain and recovery time, minimise complications and very economical.
Essentially, the procedure entails a surgeon creating a small incision to insert a slender, tube-like instrument known as a laparoscope, which is equipped with a light, lens and occasionally a tool for extracting tissue samples.
The laparoscope’s camera transmits images to a video monitor, enabling the surgeon to visually explore the interior of the body.
CCTH’s medical advancement follows extensive medical training and simulation exercises focused on fundamental principles, basic skills and hands-on training for surgeons, specialists and medical officers specialising in laparoscopic surgery.
The training sessions focused on the fundamental principles of laparoscopic surgery, equipment utilisation and surgical techniques.
Whilst details about the lucky patients are limited, this procedure is frequently employed in gynaecological surgeries for treating uterine fibroids removing ovarian cysts, gastrointestinal procedures and surgeries related to chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the lining of the digestive tract.
It is also used for urological surgeries such as kidney stones removal and prostate surgery, along with diagnostic procedures to investigate abdominal or pelvic abnormalities performed when conventional imaging tests produce inconclusive results.
Though the procedure is associated with risks such as potential harm to internal organs, leakage of blood or fluid, complications from anaesthesia, inflammation of the abdominal wall, blood clots and allergic reactions to anaesthesia, health experts assert the advantages of this procedure reign supreme.
After extensive practical laparoscopic surgery simulation exercise on an animal, Dr Gloria Allornuvor, an Optometrist and Gynaecologist Specialist at CCTH, told the Ghana News Agency that the training was successful and engaging.
She explained that the decision between laparoscopy and traditional open surgery varied significantly based on technique, outcomes, specific medical conditions, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
She explained that in terms of incision size, laparoscopy involved multiple small incisions, whereas open surgery requires a large incision for direct access.
Dr Allornuvor said the patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures typically experienced faster recovery and shorter hospital stays due to reduced tissue trauma, while open surgery entails longer recovery periods and more postoperative discomfort.
She said laparoscopic surgeries pose a lower risk of infection and blood loss due to smaller incisions that minimise exposure to contaminants, resulting in minimal scarring compared to the more prominent scars from open surgeries.
Dr Eric Kofi Ngyedu, the Chief Executive Officer of CCTH, also acknowledged that the progress in laparoscopy was facilitated through collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH).
He mentioned that the partnership with KOFIH led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024, providing the facility with $300,000 for the establishment of an endo-laparoscopic unit.
Emphasising the importance of advancing healthcare standards in the region, Dr Ngyedu appealed for logistical support to ensure healthcare services were accessible regardless of geographical location or social status.
GNA