Boon for women
First state-of-the-art Gynaecological Laparoscopy & Endometriosis Centre in the private sector opens at Kings Hospital
It is unique in many ways – not just for its reverse expertise transfer from state to private while maintaining high standards in both but also as a first.
Gynaecological laparoscopy which has been taken to different heights and made into a fine art at the Colombo South (Kalubowila) Teaching Hospital by Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Prof. Dhammike Silva has now been formalised in the private sector.
Simple, elegant and brief was the ceremony on Thursday afternoon to open the first state-of-theart ‘Gynaecological Laparoscopy & Endometriosis Centre’ (GLEC) in the private sector at the Kings Hospital, Narahenpita.
Explaining that gynaecological problems are common to many women, GLEC’s Director and Team Lead, Prof. Silva said that as they have done in the state sector, they want to assure services on par with any centre of excellence globally in the private sector as well.
Since the opening of Kings Hospital they have treated close to a thousand patients with these problems and now meticulous planning had gone into the setting up of GLEC, it is learnt.
Passionately delving into gynaecological laparoscopy, Prof. Silva said except for a very few gynaecological diseases “almost all” can be sorted out through laparoscopy which is a precision and minimally invasive procedure – keyhole surgery with tiny cuts, as opposed to open surgery with a long cut across the abdomen.
“With laparoscopy, there is a superior and vast view for the gynaecologist during the procedure, while for the patient there is less pain, less medicines, quicker return home and faster recovery, while the cosmetic effect is good as there is no scarring. The outcome is beautiful,” he said.
Next he took a closer look at endometriosis – a disease which can hit any woman in the reproductive age. According to worldwide data 1 in 10 women suffers from endometriosis. In this disease, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside the uterus, causing excruciating and debilitating pain in the pelvis. It also makes it difficult to conceive and have a baby.
“The multidisciplinary approach is of paramount importance,” stressed Prof. Silva, pointing out that endometriosis is not limited only to the reproductive organs.
Paying tribute by name to his expert colleagues on the multidisciplinary team, he said that if endometriosis has spread to areas outside the womb, such as the bladder and ureters, the expertise of urological surgeons is essential, while if it is in the bowels, the expertise of colorectal surgeons is vital. If there is infertility, the expertise of reproductive specialists comes into play as also radiologists to pinpoint exactly where the problem is and anaesthetists for pain control. The medical and nursing teams are also invaluable.
What of the future, Prof. Silva asked, himself replying that they would actively look for international collaboration, while also engaging in research and sharing data and expertise with other centres of excellence worldwide. Another aspect would be training juniors by imparting the skills of both local and international experts.
Consultant Urological Surgeon, Prof. Srinath Chandrasekera; the hospital’s Chief Operations Officer, Badrajith Siriwardena; and Specialist in Reproductive Health, Dr. Eranda Gunasekera, also spoke.
A ‘GLEC Book’ (a full docket with patient history, information and treatment which both the patient and the hospital would have) as follow-up takes place for a year, was presented to the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Shani de Silva.
Meanwhile, the logo was unveiled amidst a James Bond movie-type music build-up and GLEC’s social media presence was also launched.