Ungoofaaru Hospital prepares for laparoscopic surgery

Raa atoll Ungoofaaru Hospital is preparing to commence offering laparoscopic surgery services.

The hospital is preparing to provide laparoscopic surgery services as part of its efforts to transform into a tertiary medical institution.

Senior Customer Relations Officer of the hospital, Hassan Fazeel, said on Thursday that all the preparations for launching the laparoscopic surgery service have been completed. The hospital is set to perform its first surgery on August 13.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that involves making small incisions in the abdomen, through which short and narrow tubes called "trochars" are inserted. These trochars serve as entry points for long, narrow instruments that the surgeon uses to operate on various conditions within the abdominal region. The procedure is commonly employed for treating ailments such as gall bladder and appendix infections, as well as for the removal of small tumors.

Fazeel further said that the doctors and nurses at the hospital have undergone the required training to perform laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, the hospital has procured all the necessary equipment needed for conducting these procedures, which have been added to the hospital's inventory.

Until now, the hospital has been conducting surgeries through conventional abdominal incisions due to the absence of laparoscopy. However, the introduction of the laparoscopic surgery service is intended to provide relief to several patients who require such procedures. The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopy often leads to quicker recovery times and less post-operative discomfort for patients.

"Laparoscopic surgeries reduce scars and infections while promoting faster healing for the patients," said Fazeel.

Ungoofaaru Hospital serves patients not only from the entire Raa atoll but also from the surrounding Noonu, Baa, and even Lhaviyani atolls.

In addition to preparing to launch laparoscopic surgery services, Ungoofaaru Hospital has already hired a heart surgeon to worforce. The hospital aims to decrease dependency on hospitals in the Malé region for heart-related health concerns.

The hospital is expected to launch Eco-cardiogram shortly after the heart surgeon begins their work. The hospital is also preparing to launch urology services soon.