Embrace emerging surgical technologies, First Lady urges medics

NAIROBI, KENYA: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has urged medics to embrace emerging advanced surgical technologies that involve smaller amounts of anesthesia and retain patients for shorter periods. 

She said medical procedures that make less intrusion into the human body – especially in gynaecology – such as minimal access surgery have the advantages of shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery and early return to work. 

“The overall acceptance of laparoscopic surgery the world over is testament to its greater advantages and should be encouraged at all levels in our country,” said the First Lady. 

The First Lady spoke last night during the 3rd African Conference of the International Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (ISGE) and Society's Annual Scientific Conference at Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi. 

She asked both practising surgeons and medical students in gynaecology and general surgery to keep themselves abreast to the new medical procedures and skills in laparoscopic surgery. 

“Surgeons need be adequately trained in the traditional open techniques during their undergraduate and postgraduate programs so as to create an enthusiasm and competence in minimal access surgical procedures as a specialty,” she added. 

She lauded the society for performing 12,000 specialized surgeries in public hospitals, targeting the underprivileged Kenyans who cannot afford the services privately. 

The First Lady appreciated the efforts and activities of the society, saying they resonated well with the mission and ultimate goal of the Beyond Zero campaign, “saving the lives of our mothers and children and improving their health”.

She pledged to work closely with the society to the advantage of not only the beneficiaries of the surgical procedures, but also medical students and other parties interested in undertaking  critical research in these areas.