Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An RODCH First
During the FISSH surgical outreach in the simmering summer of May 2024, the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were performed at the RO Diagan Community Hospital (RODCH). Using the newly acquired laparoscopy equipment was a historic and innovative move by RODCH owner and CEO Dr. Renato Diagan, MD. It was during this outreach that the very first minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) were performed at this hospital.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for removal of a diseased gallbladder. This technique essentially has replaced the open technique for routine cholecystectomies since the early 1990s. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is indicated for the treatment of cholecystitis (acute/chronic), symptomatic cholelithiasis, biliary dyskinesia, acalculous cholecystitis, gallstones, pancreatitis and gallbladder masses or polyps. (KRHassler, JTCollins, KPhilip, MWJones)
Prior to the event, several long-distance zoom discussions were held—before plans, which included putting up contingencies for which procedures of MIS cases would be done, were finally laid, making sure it would best serve the local community.
Dr. Renato Diagan, a surgeon himself, enthusiastically supported the idea and proceeded to purchase the essential equipment in time for the surgical outreach. Patient selection and pre-operative workups were made under direct physician supervision prior to the team’s arrival. Dr. Joseph Layson, a US trained laparoscopic surgeon, did the procedures with Dr. Diagan assisting. A number of well-screened patients benefitted from the minimally invasive procedure which required only 3 small incisions. Thus the first laparoscopic cholecystectomies at RODCH were successfully done, a first for this institution. The entire procedure required short operative time, less anesthesia exposure, less post-operative pain and need for pain medications, and, significantly faster recovery time, shorter hospital stay and early return to work and activity. The overall benefits are enormous compared the open technique. Patient satisfaction and reviews have been positive, attesting to the benefits of which minimally invasive procedures are known for. Among many other surgical procedures, MIS offers an opportunity for RODCH to deliver state-of-the-art surgical services to its patients and benefits patients by faster recovery times, discharge and return to normal activities.
We graciously thank God for guiding our hands as we did our operations and the RODCH staff for their wholehearted support. “Salamat”, we say, for giving us this opportunity to serve with you to bring the healing ministry of Christ to these poor, but deserving patients.