UoG undergoes a Laparoscopy workshop
A workshop that focused on aiding and assisting issues that arise in women was held at the University of Gondar’s hospital. Gynecological issues have increased over the years. Likewise though, evolution in the ways to treat it has been modified for the better as well. The workshop that was held on 18 October aimed to train and educate physicians in the art of new surgical techniques that will benefit the women of Ethiopia.
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Dr. Nuru Abisieno Robi, a Washington D.C based physician, of Ethiopian decent, who organized the workshop, brought numerous medical doctors from abroad. To further the intellect and skills of UoG’s medical staff Dr. Nuru, in association with Dr. John George, a medical doctor from Washington D.C, put in time and effort to train others in the art of minimally invasive procedures.
A laparoscopy surgery is a technique doctor’s use to treat female patients with a number of issues. It is a surgery that uses a thin, lighted tube put through an incision in the belly to look at the abdominal organs or the female pelvic organs. Laparoscopy is used to find problems such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids and infections. According to John George, who I interviewed, these sorts of procedures decreases the risk of huge scars and allows patients to heal more quickly.
When asked about the goal of the workshop Dr. John George stated that the initial focus is to teach some of the Ethiopian doctors the techniques, which then leads to treating patients in the process. “We have to recognize the problem as involving teaching and then patient care,” he said, “it is primarily teaching at this point.”
The skilled and veteran doctors who came to help are teaching many physicians from many different cities including Gondar. In the process patients are being helped.
According to Dr. John George the type of surgery they are teaching leaves very small scares in the abdomen (not the old fashion large incision) and the pain and the discomfort associated with surgery is much less. “The recovery is much faster and complications like infections after surgery,” he said, “ is much less. So the patients can return to their normal lives quicker.”
At the outset the workshop concentrated on the need to teach with the unfiltered utilization of what was learnt. When asked if the workshop was hitting its desired mark Dr. John George responded with a resounding, ‘yes it is’.
“Dr. Nuru is extremely motivated and has energy that is boundless,” he said. The Dr. from Washington, and who is originally from Grenada, praised Dr. Nuru for his efforts and open-minded relationship with staff members and colleagues.
The University of Gondar’s staff is responsive and interested in the techniques that were being taught and their dedicated participation was evidence of this fact. When speaking about the University of Gondar, Dr. John George spoke keenly about UoG’s determination to solve communal problems. “The university of Gondar is very interested and supportive,” he said, “by producing various resources to assist the problem and by reaching its various goals.”
The workshop is due to end, but it is far from over. Now those doctors who have acquired the new techniques will have to treat patients and teach others. This will ensure the steady and balanced transition from country to citizen where all stakeholders benefit.
Finally, when asked to give any comments or suggestions Dr. John George stated that it was a great opportunity for him to come to Ethiopia. “If I get the opportunity I will return to give what I know to enhance the program and expand it so that it will be very successful,” he said.
Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as traditional open surgery. And now that new ways to go about the procedure is being taught, female patients will have a more reliable way to cure their deepest concerns about surgery.
The UoG Alumni Dr. Nuru Abisieno Robi for his efforts must be appreciated though. His mobilization of numerous doctors, from home and abroad, will leave a great impact on this country because of the skilled man power being produced.So the University of Gondar thanks him for his unbridled support and commitment to cater to societal problems in Ethiopia.
By Samuel Malede| Public and International Relations Directorate
