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Pediatric minimally invasive surgery in Africa: limitations and current situation
Jerome Loveland1, Alp Numanoglu, Sameh Abdel Hay
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. loveland@wol.co.za
Insights
Pediatric endoscopic surgery in Africa faces challenges due to limited resources. This study explores current use, barriers to adoption, and proposes financially viable models for expanding these advanced surgical techniques, including training.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
- Global Health
Background:
- Africa's large and growing pediatric population strains limited surgical services.
- Advanced endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques are progressing globally.
- There's a significant gap in the adoption of these advanced techniques in Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current role of endoscopic surgery in Africa.
- To identify reasons for the delayed implementation of these techniques.
- To propose financially viable models for expanding endoscopic surgery in Africa.
Main Methods:
- Review of available endoscopic surgical services across Africa.
- Analysis of barriers to adoption based on "African experience".
- Development of cost-effective models for technique rollout and training.
Main Results:
- Limited availability of current endoscopic surgical services documented.
- Key barriers to implementation identified.
- Proposed financially viable models and training strategies outlined.
Conclusions:
- Addressing resource limitations and specific barriers is crucial for advancing pediatric endoscopic surgery in Africa.
- Sustainable models and targeted training are essential for successful implementation and broader access to advanced surgical care.
Abstract:
The second largest and most populous continent, with an exploding pediatric population, Africa has an overwhelming burden on its very limited pediatric surgical services. In an international environment of progressively advancing endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques, the authors focus on the current role of endoscopic surgery on the continent and explore the potential reasons for its delayed acceptance and implementation. They proceed to document the spectrum of what is available and, using their "African experience," expand on financially viable models of further rolling out these techniques, including discussion around suitable training models for surgeons and their teams.