In a groundbreaking medical achievement for Zimbabwe, a collaborative team consisting of three local cardiothoracic surgeons and a Spanish expert successfully performed the country’s first uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), a highly advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure. This landmark surgery, conducted on a Tuesday, benefited three patients, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s medical history and showcasing the prowess and potential of Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.
The surgical team was led by the renowned Professor Diego Gonzales Rivas from Spain, a pioneer in the field of VATS, and included Zimbabwe’s own medical talents: Dr Kudzai Kanyepi, the country’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Simukai Machawira, and Dr Wilfred Mutewere. Together, they performed surgeries at Parirenyatwa Hospital and the Avenues Clinic, offering new hope and life-saving interventions to three patients facing serious thoracic conditions.
Uniportal VATS represents a significant advancement in surgical techniques, employing a single small incision through which a thoracoscope and surgical instruments are inserted. This approach minimizes patient trauma, reduces recovery times, and offers a less invasive alternative to traditional thoracic surgery. What set these operations apart was not just the minimally invasive technique but the complexity and extent of the surgeries performed, including the complete removal of a lung and the excision of a malignant tumor from behind the sternum, known as a thymoma, through incisions no larger than three to five centimeters.
The operations coincided with the conclusion of a two-day International Uniportal VATS Masterclass program hosted by the University of Zimbabwe. This event drew participants from across Africa and beyond, including Morocco, Libya, Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa, underscoring Zimbabwe’s emerging role as a center for medical education and innovation in the region. The program aimed to disseminate knowledge and skills associated with uniportal VATS, enhancing the capabilities of surgeons from various countries.
A noteworthy aspect of this endeavor was the emphasis on accessibility and community service. The patients were selected to receive their surgeries free of charge, a gesture made possible through the generous sponsorship of Cimas Health Group, which contributed US$3,000 to the exercise. This act of philanthropy not only facilitated the surgeries but also underscored the importance of corporate involvement in advancing public health initiatives.
Dr. Nyasha Masuka, Cimas Health Group’s chief medical officer, expressed pride in the organization’s role in supporting this pioneering event, particularly highlighting the achievement of Dr. Kanyepi. Her involvement as the nation’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon and a key figure in these operations was celebrated as an inspiration for aspiring medical professionals and a testament to the evolving landscape of medical expertise in Zimbabwe.
In the aftermath of the surgeries, all three patients demonstrated remarkable recovery, with Dr. Kanyepi reporting that they were ambulatory just a day following their procedures. This rapid return to mobility is a testament to the effectiveness and patient-friendly nature of the uniportal VATS technique.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kanyepi and her colleagues are keen on institutionalizing this educational initiative, with plans to make the Uniportal VATS Masterclass an annual event. The goal is to establish a sustainable platform for continuous learning and skill development, enabling surgeons from Zimbabwe and the wider African continent to perform live surgeries and adopt cutting-edge techniques in thoracic surgery. This vision for the future not only promises to elevate the standard of medical care in Zimbabwe but also positions the country as a beacon of medical excellence and innovation in Africa.
The successful execution of these surgeries and the associated masterclass program highlight a significant leap forward in Zimbabwe’s medical capabilities. It showcases the synergy between local expertise and international collaboration, the potential for medical education to catalyze healthcare improvements, and the critical role of community support in enabling healthcare advancements. This milestone in Zimbabwe’s medical history not only enhances the country’s surgical capabilities but also sets a precedent for the integration of advanced surgical techniques into its healthcare system, promising better outcomes for patients and a brighter future for medical practice in the region.
Source: Newsday
