Euracare, the leading multi-specialist hospital in Lagos, has hosted the first-ever West African masterclass on minimally invasive bariatric surgery. This is a specialist procedure used to achieve weight loss to control Obesity and Diabetes. The symposium which held on the 17th and 18th of October 2019 at Euracare premises in Lagos was aimed at demonstrating weight loss surgery techniques to bariatric surgeons across West Africa.
The initiative is in partnership with healthcare product manufacturing giant, Medtronic as part of a West African wide campaign to bring together other specialists in this new field for the main purpose of collaborations on issues like best clinic practice, training research, and capacity building.
The team of local medical specialists, led by Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Mr Abuchi Okaro, performed a live bariatric surgery witnessed by Six Specialist surgeons across West Arica and crafted interactive sessions covering bariatric surgery field.
The masterclass kicked off with constructive and interactive sessions individually addressing the importance of a multidisciplinary team in the care of a bariatric patient, perioperative care pathway and challenges/opportunities in the practice. Concluding the masterclass, the second day of the symposium specialists highlighted the importance of accurate sleep analysis, and how to manage postoperative complications.
According to Dr Abuchi Okaro, basic bariatric surgical knowledge is lacking in many African countries and there is an urgent need to bridge this gap.“Research has shown that obesity and diabetes mortality related cases in Africa are prevalent. Bariatric surgery is a great way to address these issues, which is why I am passionate to transfer this knowledge. With this masterclass, we hope to make a meaningful, yet practical contribution to assist in reducing the obesity-related mortality rate among related patients in Nigeria and across Africa”, Dr Okaro stated.
Also speaking on the masterclass, Medical Director, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr TosinMajekodunmi said, “This masterclass showcased our commitment to breaking boundaries in the medical industry and reinforces our stand as the leading multi-specialist hospital in Nigeria. By helping consultants learn the very latest techniques from the very best in the field, we are redefining the healthcare industry in Nigeria and Africa at large”.
Bariatric or weight loss surgery comprises a number of gastro-intestinal procedures such as the Lap gastric bypass, Lap sleeve gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). The procedures are performed through the minimally invasive (keyhole) route. This has the main advantage of resulting in less pain, quicker return to drinking, walking and less scarring. The surgery is specifically most suited for those individuals who need to achieve an amount of weight reduction that diet and exercise only cannot provide. The benefits of weight loss extend widely from positively affecting control of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease to a resolution of diabetes, and many others.
Since its opening in 2017, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has serviced over 10,094 patients and completed 1,022 CT scans, 1,219 MRI scans, 108 cardiac procedures, 356 surgical procedures, 1,075 x-rays and 1,107 ultrasound. This masterclass buttresses Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital’s commitment to broadening the medical landscape and redefining standards of healthcare practice in Nigeria.
