-in collaboration with regional, UK surgeons
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corpora-tion (GPHC) has successfully completed a collaborative mission with the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), and the Caribbean Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (CAPRAS).
The initiative, involving medical professionals from the UK, Australia, Trinidad, and Jamaica, resulted in nine complex surgeries, including eight breast reconstructions for breast cancer survivors and a facial reconstruction for a 14-year-old accident victim.
The surgeries were performed over the course of three days, with an average operating time of six hours per case. Four patients have already been discharged, while the remaining five are expected to leave by tomorrow.
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Two patients who had reconstructive surgeries due to breast cancer
GPHC CEO, Dr Robbie Rambarran, emphasised the mission’s focus on capacity building and sustainability. He highlighted the team’s dedication, noting that the visiting specialists covered their own expenses. The lead surgeon, Dr Maniram Ragbir, from the UK, worked alongside local doctors and nurses to transfer essential skills for continuing these services in Guyana.
Head of General Surgery at GPHC, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar, explained that the project was two years in the making, and began with a meeting in Belize, where a needs assessment identified breast reconstruction as a key priority. This mission marks the first time such an initiative has been executed in the Caribbean. Of the ten patients initially scheduled, nine underwent surgery, including the teenager who required facial reconstruction after a severe boating accident. Despite one post-surgery complication, all procedures were deemed successful.
The project was supported by donations from UK-based companies, with the ultimate goal of enabling GPHC to independently provide advanced reconstructive procedures. Currently, the hospital has three plastic surgeons on staff.
Meanwhile Dr Ragbir noted that this mission marked the first time BAPRAS’ international education arm, BFIRST [British Foundation for International Surgery and Training] had conducted work in the Caribbean. “We usually focus our efforts in Asia, so we are very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate here. With the best intentions, you can want to help people, but without their willingness and support, very little can be achieved. In this case, we’ve had tremendous support from Guyana, particularly from Dr Rambarran and his team.”
He also shared that a microscope, donated by Newcastle upon Tyne where he works, is being sent to Guyana to support future procedures. “We were hoping it would be here by now, but we received an email today confirming it’s currently in Miami and should arrive in Guyana within the next few days. Once it’s here, it will enhance the hospital’s capabilities. The ultimate goal is to establish a strong collaboration between BFIRST and the Guyanese team, ensuring that local medical professionals are fully trained to carry these efforts forward.”
Leona Barton of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, shared her experience with having the reconstruction surgery done, expressing deep gratitude to the medical team for their care and the successful outcome of her procedure. “When I first faced the idea of surgery, I was terrified—it felt like being a vehicle with a tire slowly deflating. But their support and reassurance gave me the comfort I needed.”
She highlighted how the surgery significantly boosted her self-confidence and encouraged others to consider reconstruction if given the opportunity. “The team’s expertise and the chance for reconstruction made all the difference in my recovery. I can’t thank them enough for giving me back a part of myself.”
Another patient, Ramwattie Kanhai, from Region Two, was full of praise for the successful procedure. Holding back tears, she said that she was grateful to be able to go out in public and not feel judged or insecure.