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Published on: September 11, 2021
Operation hernia: humanitarian hernia repairs in Ghana
1Department of Surgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, UK. dsanders@doctors.org.uk
Summary
Ghana established Africa's first Hernia Centre to address high inguinal hernia rates. This initiative aims to improve patient outcomes and economic impact through surgical training and increased hernia repair capacity.
Area of Science:
- Global Surgery
- Public Health
- Surgical Education
Background:
- High incidence of inguinal hernias in Ghana leads to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.
- The local healthcare system faces challenges in providing adequate hernia repair rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish Africa's first dedicated Hernia Centre in Ghana.
- To reduce the burden of inguinal hernias through improved surgical services and capacity building.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary team of European surgeons and nurses initiated the Hernia Centre.
- A 2-year teaching program was developed for local surgeons and nurses.
- Structured visits by international specialists support ongoing training and service delivery.
Main Results:
- The Hernia Centre provides a base for hernia services in West Ghana.
- The program aims to develop an integrated team capable of performing up to 50 hernia repairs monthly.
- Collaboration with European institutions and volunteers supports the center's long-term goals.
Conclusions:
- The Hernia Centre represents a significant step in addressing the high burden of inguinal hernias in Ghana.
- Sustainable, localized surgical capacity building is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes in resource-limited settings.
