Ethekwini Hospital broadens medical horizons

DURBAN is often described as a laid-back city, but, according to Professor Bhaskar Goolab, of the University of Witwatersrand, the city is also at the forefront of medical innovation. This was established two weeks ago, when the Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre (EHHC) played host to the third annual International Gynaecological Conference.

The Northglen News team felt as if they had stepped into a scene from the hugely popular ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ series as they got a back-seat pass to the exciting two-day workshop, during which live laparoscopic surgeries were being transmitted to an auditorium where young gynaecologists could watch and learn the skills required for the minimal invasive surgeries.

Laparoscopic surgery is performed by making small incisions, and by using a telescope the surgeons are able to execute both complicated and simple surgeries, which traditionally required large incisions. While minimally-invasive surgeries are not a new innovation, they are new to the field of gynaecology.

“Minimally-invasive surgeries have many benefits, such as rapid recovery, minimal pain, minimal loss of blood and excellent cosmetic outcomes. This is the future of gynaecology, and many of the operations will be performed though laparoscopic means. It is therefore important that all gynaecologists become adequately skilled in the new technology,” said Prof Goolab, who is also the chairman of the training committee.

Dozens of international and national surgeons attended the workshop, where ten live feed surgeries were performed to provide high tech and interactive training for modern gynaecological operation procedures.

One of the latest innovations demonstrated at the workshop was the 3D camera. This new technology will further enhance the benefits of microscopic surgeries.

The annual event was made possible by the Durban Obstetrical Gynaecological Society, in association with the International Society of Gynaecologic Endoscopy.