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Commencing open heart surgery in resource limited countries: lessons from the LASUTH experience
Mobolaji Adewale Oludara1, Jonathan Nwiloh2, Adetokunbo Fabamwo3
1Department of Surgery, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|February 28, 2015
Summary
Establishing cardiac surgery in Africa requires significant investment and collaboration. Missions can overcome resource limitations and build local capacity for open heart surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Public Health in Developing Nations
Background:
- Cardiac surgery is challenging in resource-limited African settings.
- Initiating open heart surgery requires substantial financial and infrastructural investment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a model for establishing open cardiac surgery in a developing country.
- To detail challenges and propose solutions for resource-limited cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- Review of three missions conducting open cardiac surgical procedures (2004-2006).
- Analysis of challenges faced in a resource-limited environment at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of open cardiac surgery through collaborative missions.
- Recruitment of additional trained staff, including cardiothoracic surgeons, perfusionists, and nurses.
- Improved capacity for cardiac surgery services at the center.
Conclusions:
- Government sponsorship and NGO collaboration are crucial for initiating cardiac surgery.
- Overseas missions facilitate local staff training and capacity building.
- Sustainable cardiac surgery programs require a multi-faceted approach including investment and training.