Kilifi: Kilifi County marked a significant technological milestone in healthcare on Friday with the successful performance of its first-ever laparoscopic surgical operations at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital.
According to Kenya News Agency, this groundbreaking procedure was led by Dr. Adrian Park, a renowned surgeon from John Hopkins University, USA. The event served as a training opportunity for local surgeons on the new technology, which involves using a computerized camera to conduct surgeries. Three surgical operations were conducted during this milestone event.
Speaking to journalists after conducting the first surgery at the hospital’s medical complex, Dr. Park highlighted the advantages of the advanced surgical method, noting that it allows for quicker patient recovery and fewer complications, thereby enabling patients to return to their daily activities sooner compared to open surgery. He emphasized the significance of the day for Kilifi County, marking a new era in surgical technology and techniques.
The event was a follow-up on training sessions that local surgeons had attended at the Coast General Hospital in Mombasa County. The training aimed at introducing the new technology at the County Referral Hospital, as well as at the Malindi and Mariakani Sub County Hospitals.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro expressed his administration’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Kilifi County by investing in modern surgical technology. He announced plans to allocate funds in the next supplementary budget for purchasing three laparoscopic machines and ensuring the training of nurses and biomedical engineers to handle the equipment. Governor Mung’aro mentioned that open surgery should be reserved primarily for caesarean sections, while other surgeries should employ the new laparoscopic technology.
The governor also shared his personal experience with laparoscopic surgery and revealed plans to commission a CT scan machine and an incinerator within the next three weeks. He emphasized the importance of equipping all county hospitals with modern medical equipment and ensuring there are enough qualified personnel to operate them.
County Health Executive Committee Member Peter Mwarogo acknowledged the success of the initial laparoscopic procedures as a result of collaboration between local surgeons and international experts. He noted that while one laparoscopic machine costs about Sh20 million, the county government is prepared to incur the cost for the benefit of its residents’ healthcare needs. He also underscored the importance of training local surgeons in using laparoscopy, which reduces operation time, pain, and recovery periods.