New technique set to change face of surgery

Paidamoyo Chipunza Health Reporter
The first surgeon in the world to perform specialised surgery through minimal incisions into human tissue will take Zimbabwean surgeons to the theatre for practicals on new techniques. Speaking after a 30-minute lecture to surgeons and clinical officers at Chitungwiza Central Hospital on Monday, Dr David Rosen, who was in Zimbabwe for the College of Surgeons in East, Central and Southern Africa conference, said just like any other medical procedure, techniques for the surgery known as laparoscopy continued to change on a daily basis.

“Because techniques continue to change on a daily basis, surgeons who conduct the procedure need to be updated on the changes regularly,” he said.

Dr Rosen who is Zimbabwean by birth, said he was expecting to return to Zimbabwe in March to impart his new skills and knowledge to surgeons already conducting the procedure.

Dr Rosen is now based in Europe.

Laparoscopy is a procedure that can be used in any type of operation but involves small incisions of between 0,5 to 1 cm into the human tissue instead of cutting open the whole area to be operated on. Specialised equipment and cameras are used to conduct the surgery.

“Laparoscopy is, however, not for everybody and not for every situation,” he said.

He said although equipment used was expensive, in the long run, laparoscopy was cheaper compared to open surgery.

“Laparoscopy is safe and secure, it is less painful, numbness is reduced and patients recover quickly as compared to open surgery,” Dr Rosen said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Chitungwiza Central Hospital chief executive Dr Obadiah Moyo, said the equipment for laparoscopy surgeries was available at most central institutions including Chitungwiza, Parirenyatwa and Harare Central Hospitals.

“What is therefore needed are the latest skills to complement the state-of-the art machinery to deliver best results to our clients. It is important for our surgeons to learn of these new techniques, which will place us on the same levels with the developed countries,” he said.