Over 50 hernia surgeries were performed successfully at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) within a three-day period over the Caricom Holiday weekend.
The surgeries were conducted by a team of three U.S surgeons and supported by 18 local doctors.
The procedures took place from July 1st to July 3rd and involved the utilization of five operating theaters.
The surgeries successfully cleared a significant portion of the backlog of hernia cases at the hospital.
“We’re aiming for between 60 surgeries, we actually had 56 patients operated on and those 56 patients had 66 procedures done, some had multiple procedures which is why it added up…I think the objectives were achieved where this was concerned, for one we reduced the backlog significantly, and patients were satisfied with the procedure that was done with minimal complications, we have had patients who were discharged within the same day,” Dr. Shailindra Rajkumar, the Head of Surgery of the GPHC said.
Dr. Rajkumar says the surgery not only benefited patients but created an opportunity for local doctors to observe new medical techniques from the visitors.
“Aside from the patients, I think the surgeons were happy because there were a few new techniques that were taught by the visiting surgeons and there was also teaching where the surgeons were thought to do these cases under regional anesthesia and not general anesthesia and only reserve general anesthesia for complex procedures,” he said.
The GPHC had reached out for support from the US-based medical team Northwell Health.
The support is part of a five-year memorandum of understanding that began in 2021.