IN a historic medical breakthrough, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully completed its first laparoscopic liver resection.

This landmark procedure was performed by Dr. Zhao Chang Yong, head of the 19th China Medical Team, in collaboration with GPHC’s Dr. Adhikar Ramjoo and Dr. Andrea Kissoon.

The operation, which took place under the banner of the recently concluded China Medical Team Surgery Week, was carried out on a 49-year-old female patient diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

Liver metastases, which occur in approximately 15 per cent-25 per cent of patients with colorectal cancer, are a leading cause of mortality in these cases. Without intervention, survival rates beyond five years are less than 5 per cent. Surgical resection is often the only potential cure for liver metastases, involving either open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques to remove as much of the tumour as possible while preserving healthy tissue.

The laparoscopic technique offers several advantages, including reduced recovery times and lower postoperative complications. However, such advanced procedures are rarely performed in settings with limited infrastructure and training. The successful completion of this laparoscopic resection marks a significant milestone for GPHC, demonstrating the transformative impact of international collaboration in healthcare.

The patient, who was initially assessed in May 2024, underwent diagnostic imaging that identified a solitary metastatic liver tumour. Following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, further imaging confirmed its reduction, making the patient eligible for the laparoscopic surgery. Using advanced instruments and equipment provided by the China Medical Team, Dr. Zhao and the team successfully removed the tumour, achieving grossly negative margins.

The success of the operation not only improved the patient’s prognosis but also provided invaluable training for GPHC’s surgical residents. This milestone highlights the power of international partnerships and the positive effects of collaborative efforts on local healthcare delivery.

The patient is now recovering at home, with follow-up treatment planned to ensure continued progress. The procedure has significantly reduced the tumour burden and offered a greatly improved prognosis.

GPHC remains dedicated to advancing medical care through innovative procedures, international collaborations, and ongoing education for its medical staff. The hospital’s commitment to improving patient outcomes is exemplified by this historic achievement, underscoring the potential for enhanced healthcare through continued global co-operation.