SURGERY BOOSTS LIFE HOSPITAL IN KOMANI
Doctors perform first local oesophagectomy
History was made at the Life Queenstown Private Hospital (LQPH) on November 12 when specialist surgeons Dr Babongile Zulu, along with Dr Frank del Valle, assisted by a general surgeon from Kimberley, performed the first oesophagectomy there.
According to a press release from Life Healthcare, the surgery involved removing the oesophagus (the pipe that carries food from the mouth into the stomach). The procedure is usually performed when oesophageal cancer has been detected early before spreading to other parts of the body.
The statement indicated that the potentially lifesaving surgery was a first for the Komani hospital, which had grown in size and capability over the last few years, in preparation for the changing demand of healthcare and the developing needs of the Komani community.
Life Healthcare invested R78m in the upgrade and expansion project that started in 2012.
Del Valle said it was an incredible feeling contributing to the making of history at the hospital, but that the surgery had been the result of great teamwork.
“There were three surgeons, a physician, a dietician, a physiotherapist, an oncologist, as well as the entire ICU theatre staff. It was really exciting that we had come this far.”
Zulu said a number of disciplines were needed to come together to get a sound approach towards patient management.
“As a surgeon, you are trained to remain calm at all times. You cannot afford to lose that calmness, because there is a patient whose life is at stake.
“The surgery went smoothly and it was better than what we had anticipated.”
She said the patient’s cancer, one of the most common in the Eastern Cape, had blocked his food pipe.
He was given chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the tumour prior to surgery.
Hospital manager Benjamin Deyzel said it was important for people to know that the surgery had been done locally as previously such patients had always been transferred to Port Elizabeth, East London or Bloemfontein.
“There are excellent surgeons locally to help people from Komani and surrounding areas.
“LQPH is bringing in doctors to support the community in order to render the best services.
“It is amazing to know we have a multidisciplinary team that can work together and a patient who is smiling the following day,” Deyzel said.