GPHC records first Cage and Bone Graft spinal surgery

History was made at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation; (GPHC) after doctors attached to institution successfully performed a Cage and Bone Graft Lumbar spinal surgery. Rafina Depan, 56, of Lot 790 Zeelugt East Bank Essequibo, had suffered severe injury to her lower back. She was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis, Disc Herniation and Spondylolisthesis.
The surgery was conducted on January 12, last, by a four-member team of medical experts headed by Dr. Wang Yong Xiang, leader of the eleventh Chinese Medical Brigade. This was the first time that the complex medical procedure, which is said to have a 50/50 chance success rate has been performed in Guyana.
Dr. Wang, an Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon, was assisted by Dr. David Samaroo, Dr. Hydar Khan and Dr. Kurtley Hestick. The surgery lasted for three hours.
The patient expressed gratitude to the medical team for the operation which brought her much relief and hope for the future. Depan will be able to walk with the assistance of a spinal brace in the next three weeks. She is also scheduled to undergo cycles of physiotherapy to regain her mobility.
This is not the only successful spinal surgery performed by the Chinese specialists. In 2014, Dr. Wang spearheaded a successful spinal decompression surgery on a patient of GPHC. Dr Wang along with a team of local and Chinese doctors, had expanded the compressed section of the patients spinal column and placed “pedicle rods and screws” to keep it in place. This type of surgery is rarely performed locally.
Dr. Hestick, a resident Orthopaedic/Traumatology specialist attached to GPHC explained that the patient, Depan, was struck by a truck, while standing at the corner of a Public Road some four years ago. Following the accident, the woman suffered from severe pain to her lower back.
The pain worsened. Last year, the doctors said that the patient developed other symptoms including weakness and numbness in both her lower limbs, which made it difficult for her to move around unaided.
The 56-year-old woman underwent Laminectomy and Discectomy, Pedicle Screw Fixation, in addition to the Cage and Bone Graft Lumbar Procedure. All three procedures were done free of cost.
The Cage and Bone Graft Lumbar spinal surgery which was only accessible overseas can cost at least US$10,000. Dr. Hestick explained that the procedure can now be undertaken in Guyana with help from the Chinese Government.
Last October, GPHC received $80M worth in Medical equipment from Jiangsu Provincial Commission of Health and Family Planning of the People’s Republic of China and the National Health and Family Planning Commission.(Kaieteur News)