Biolitec, one of the world’s leading companies in the field of laser medicine, in partnership with healthcare providers in Uganda recently carried out Demo laser surgeries (Minimal assess surgeries) to enhance patient experience and introduce new treatment options for different conditions.
The demo surgeries were intended to equip the surgeons with the necessary knowledge and confidence to take on this new world of technology and use it to therapeutically transform lives of Ugandans.
The surgeries that ran from Monday May 9 till May 12, 2022 included; Endovenous Laser Vein Ablation (ELVeS) for the treatment of Varicose Veins; Laser Hemorrhoidolplasty (LHP), Fistula Tract Closure (FiLaC), Sinus Pilonidalis Treatment; Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) for Spine; Minimally invasive laser therapy for BPH and Bladder Tumors; Hysteroscopic and laparoscopic applications for endometriosis, uterine polyps, condylomas, cervical conization
CEO East Africa Magazine spoke to one of the surgeons about the technology and its benefits
What is laser surgery and how does it work?
Laser stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. Laser surgery is the use of an intensely hot, precisely focused, medically safe beam of light to ablate or vaporize tissue and control bleeding in a wide variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures. Laser surgery works for all kinds of patients, it’s a day case which doesn’t involve cutting.
What are the success rates of laser surgery?
The success rate of laser surgery is over 99% compared to open surgeries. Other benefits include Very High Patient Satisfaction, Saving on Precious Operation Theater, Ward and Staff Resources, Short learning curve for Surgeons, High level of safety, Freedom from pain and symptoms, Maximum preservation of sphincters, Quick return to everyday life activities, No cuts, No pain
For anyone interested, what would be the cost of a procedure?
Ugandan enterprises urged to explore regional oil and gas opportunitiesThe cost of laser surgeries varies depending on the hospital, the treatment ranges from $1000 (sh3.5M) to $2000 (sh7M). The cost includes a fiber kit ($300) (Sh1M) and this is used once for prevent spread of infection.
It seems the technology is currently available in private facilities, is Biolitec thinking of extending the services to public facilities?
We have already had demo surgeries in Mulago last week 9th and 10th May, aimed at equipping the surgeons with the skills and confidence to start giving the service in the public facilities. We urge the government to procure laser machines in order to bring down the cost.
What is being done to build the capacity of the experts who can handle the procedures in Uganda?
Awareness campaigns organized by the German manufacturer BIOLITEC are on going we just completed one last week.
Currently, the services seem to be accessible only in Kampala. Are there plans to extend the services upcountry to those who may need them?
Plans to extend services beyond Kampala are underway, we believe that by the end of this year 2022 the entire country will have coverage with this new technology. But currently, these services are available at Nakasero Hospital, IHK, Ruby, Platinum Hospital, Alexandria, Nsambya and others
