Operation Hernia to Ghana.

Area of Science:

• Global Surgery
• Public Health in Africa
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Inguinal hernia repair and Caesarian sections are highly prevalent surgeries in Africa.
• Limited access to trained surgeons and vast distances to healthcare facilities exacerbate surgical emergencies.
• Strangulated inguinal hernias are a primary cause of intestinal obstruction, leading to significant mortality and disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide essential surgical treatment for groin hernias in Ghana's Western region.
• To enhance surgical capacity through targeted training in hernia repair techniques.
• To address the critical gap in care for patients with inguinal hernias.

Main Methods:

• A humanitarian mission, Operation Hernia, was established.
• Collaboration between the European Hernia Society and the Plymouth-Takoradi (Ghana) Link.
• Focus on treating and teaching groin hernia surgery.

Main Results:

• Direct surgical intervention for numerous patients with inguinal hernias.
• Transfer of knowledge and skills to local healthcare professionals.
• Improved access to essential surgical care in the Western region of Ghana.

Conclusions:

• Humanitarian missions are vital for delivering surgical care in underserved regions.
• Training local surgeons is key to sustainable improvements in hernia repair outcomes.
• Addressing barriers to surgical access can significantly reduce hernia-related morbidity and mortality.