Surgeons at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday announced that its surgical department successfully completed the first laparoscopic liver resection in the hospital’s history, with the assistance of their Chinese counterparts.
The ground-breaking procedure was performed by Dr Zhao Chang Yong, head of the 19th China Medical Team, in collaboration with GPH’s Dr Adhikar Ramjoo and Dr Andrea Kissoon. This team of surgeons, the release disclosed, executed the complex surgery on a 49-year-old female patient diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastasis.
The release explained that liver metastases occur in approximately 15 to 25 per cent of patients with colorectal cancer and are the leading cause of mortality in these patients. Without intervention, fewer than five per cent of patients survive beyond five years. As such, surgical resection is considered the most effective treatment for liver metastases, offering patients the only potential cure through complete tumour removal. The success of such surgeries depends on various factors, including tumour size, location, and extent, and can involve either open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. The goal is to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving healthy tissue, ultimately improving patient survival outcomes.
However, despite its benefits, surgical resection for liver metastases is underutilised in many regions due to limited access to surgical expertise and resources. Laparoscopic techniques, in particular, offer reduced recovery times and lower post-operative complications, but these are rarely practiced in settings with limited infrastructure and training.
According to the release, in July 2024, under Dr Zhao’s leadership, and as part of the recently concluded China Medical Team Surgery Week, GPH witnessed its first laparoscopic resection of two liver segments. The patient, initially seen in May 2024, underwent diagnostic imaging, which revealed a solitary metastatic liver tumour. After receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, subsequent imaging confirmed the tumour’s reduction, making the patient eligible for surgical intervention.
The laparoscopic hepatic segmentectomy was performed using advanced instruments and equipment supplied by the China medical team. The operation successfully removed the tumour, achieving grossly negative margins, and the patient is recovering well. This complex procedure not only saved a life but also provided invaluable training opportunities for GPH’s surgical residents.
“This milestone exemplifies the power of international collaboration and highlights the transformative impact such partnerships can have on healthcare delivery. The China Medical Team’s collaboration with GPHC has significantly advanced the hospital’s surgical capabilities, demonstrating the potential for improved patient outcomes through continued cooperation,” the release stated.
The patient has since been discharged and is recovering at home, with follow-up treatment planned. The success of this intervention has significantly reduced the patient’s tumour burden, offering a greatly improved prognosis.
The hospital assures that it remains committed to advancing medical care and improving patient outcomes through innovative procedures, international partnerships, and the continuous education of its medical staff, the release added.
