Updated by Mr. Agozie
Written By Praise Chinecherem - anambradaily.com
The Geanco Foundation, based in the United States, has partnered with Life International Hospital in Awka, Anambra State, to train 28 medical doctors from across Nigeria in the technique of Laparoscopic Surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used in the abdominal and pelvic regions. This technique allows surgeons to examine the inside of the body using a laparoscope—a thin, telescopic instrument equipped with a camera—without needing to make large incisions. Instead of traditional open surgery that requires a large incision, laparoscopic surgery uses two to four small incisions, typically less than half an inch, for the camera and surgical instruments. This method, also known as “keyhole surgery,” is increasingly popular due to its reduced recovery time, lower costs, and improved patient outcomes.
Laparoscopic surgery is used for a wide variety of common procedures, such as the removal of ovarian cysts, fibroids, stones, tumors, and polyps; surgeries for endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, hernias, and other conditions. More advanced procedures like gastric bypass, gallbladder removal, appendix removal, and prostatectomy are also performed using this technique.
To enhance laparoscopic surgical skills in Nigeria, the Geanco Foundation, in collaboration with Life International Hospital, invited a team of three U.S.-based surgeons to Awka. Their mission: to teach Nigerian doctors the fundamentals of this advanced technique. The team arrived on a Saturday, and the training sessions began on Sunday morning and ran through Thursday at Life International Hospital’s Endo Lab.
Dr. Kevin El-Hayek, Mission Lead for the Geanco Laparoscopic Surgery project and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, explained that the goal was to inspire Nigerian doctors to expand access to minimal access surgery in their communities.
“I want everyone from this training to return home and continue building on these skills. We’ve given them the motivation to keep practicing and to become leaders in minimal access surgery,” said Dr. El-Hayek.
The training involved daily lectures, hands-on simulation sessions, and live surgeries. The doctors participated as assistants in 6-8 operations daily, learning various laparoscopic techniques. The support team for the mission included Afam Onyema, CEO of Geanco Foundation, and Obinna Okoye, who handled logistics.
Dr. Ronnie Sullines, a pediatric surgeon from the University of California, Los Angeles, expressed admiration for the Nigerian doctors’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. She highlighted that this free training program made it easier for doctors to update their skills in advanced medical procedures.
She also emphasized that new medical technologies, such as laparoscopic surgery, bring both opportunities and responsibilities, stressing the importance of teamwork in surgical operations. She praised Life International Hospital for its commitment to supporting this initiative.
Mr. Agu Munachimso, ICT Officer at Life International Hospital, shared that 37 patients underwent surgery during the training period, all of whom have been successfully discharged. Munachimso praised Life International Hospital for creating an environment where both healthcare professionals and the community benefit, in line with the hospital's vision under Prof. Ikechebelu’s leadership.
At the end of the five-day training, all 28 participants received certificates. The trainers, all from the U.S., included Dr. Kevin El-Hayek, Dr. Bipan Chan, Dr. Ronnie Sullines, along with Afam Onyema and Charese Love, who supported the mission.
The trainees expressed their satisfaction with the program, noting that it significantly expanded their knowledge of advanced surgical techniques.
