New Horizons medical team conducted 39 successful gynaecological surgeries in Linden

– As hospital records first laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery

By Utamu Belle

The United States (US) New Horizons medical team has conducted 39 successful gynaecological surgeries at Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) as the hospital also recorded its first laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery.

The medical team, which is currently on a mission to Guyana, was honoured at an appreciation and farewell ceremony hosted at the Watooka Complex in Linden on Friday evening.
The team, which conducted advanced methods of surgeries over several days, was ably assisted by medical staff attached to the hospital. Delivering opening remarks at the ceremony, LHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Farouk Riyasat alluded that it took over a year of intense planning and preparation between the stakeholders involved to successfully achieve the desired results.
He reported that during the period of May 22 to 26, female patients from Regions Three, Four, Six and 10 were screened and scheduled for surgeries. From May 27 to June 6, the CEO reported that major gynaecology operations were conducted on 39 patients.
During this period also, Dr Riyasat said a total of 26 abdominal, three vaginal and six ovarian hysterectomies were conducted in addition to the first laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation at the hospital.
“By the way, the bilateral laparoscopic ligation by way of laparoscopic method, it’s the first time we’re doing that at the Linden Hospital Complex. And thanks to the training we will continue doing so…”, the CEO boasted as his revelation was met with loud applause from the gathering.
Dr Riyasat also alluded to the other surgeries which were conducted as he noted that a total of 55 patients were screened, however, 16 were referred for medical management while 39 received surgical intervention.
He noted that seven of these patients were from Region Three, two from Region Four, five from Region Six and 25 from Region 10.
This, Dr Riyasat related, shows that the Region 10 hospital has the capacity to facilitate more patients from across Guyana. He further related that the post-operative care which the patients received saw a one hundred per cent recovery rate with zero post-operative surgical site infections in addition to excellent prognoses.
He added that the New Horizons team also received full support from the hospital’s doctors, nurses and other medical staff, as he commended the team for its commitment and hard work.
In his remarks, team leader of the Linden mission, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Massengill conveyed heartfelt thanks to the Public Health Ministry, leadership and medical staff of the hospital and members of the New Horizons medical team.
Massengill, who is also the mission’s lead gynaecological and reconstructive surgeon, explained that this was his third mission. He noted that this was one of the most rewarding opportunities he has had so far as he referred to it as one of the most successful missions. Massengill said this could not have been successful without the people on the ground.
While 39 surgeries were conducted, Massengill related that over 129 different procedures were performed, which he referred to as “incredible”. He said this also provided great training opportunities for several members of the medical team. What would usually take 4 years minimum for some trainees, he noted, was achieved in just 9 days.
“This is also one of the most successful trips we’ve ever done…Linden Hospital, by far is one of the best hospitals that we’ve been to in South America…This is a training exercise for us…We did over 129 different procedures on patients…”, the team leader boasted.
He added that the team has felt truly welcomed in Guyana and has enjoyed every opportunity.
Personal Assistant to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, John Adams in delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister expressed gratitude to the medical team for a job well done as he extended wishes for continued success.
He noted that while the surgeries are available in Guyana, the team was able to speed up the process over the timeframe to ease the burdens on the affected women.
He also thanked Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Pansy Armstrong, whom he noted has been the Ministry’s link to the regional mission as he noted that the Ministry looks forward to continued cooperation with the team.
Meanwhile, Chairman of LHC Management Committee Mortimer Mingo told the gathering that the committee was grateful for having the medical team, as he noted that its presence and intervention would have assisted greatly in the delivery of quality and effective healthcare which is in keeping with the hospital’s mandate.
He said he was appreciative that persons from other parts of the country would have also sought medical assistance at the hospital and as such the team would have assisted in building capacity at the medical institution.
In addition, Regional Chairman Renis Morian expressed gratitude on behalf of the region as he alluded to the significant impacts made by the team which he noted has been extended to the lives of the patients who benefited.
“Without the surgeries, we would have lost a number of persons…so, the work that you have done would have had tremendous impact, not only on this region but the other regions where the other persons came from…We are indeed grateful…and truly we see you as heroes…You’ve not only made persons well but you’ve imparted skills to our doctors and nurses and professionals in the health sector to follow…”, Morian said.
Several medical practitioners attached to the team and the hospital were also awarded for their services provided. Also present were members of the Guyana Defence Force, Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell, members of the LHC Management Committee and Chinese and Cuban specialists.
Meanwhile, a total of two staff physicians, four trainees, three anesthesia providers, three nurses and four technicians were deployed to perform surgeries at the LHC.
The mission was made possible through the collaborative effort between the New Horizons team, LHC, Public Health Ministry, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).