Honiara had not before had laparoscopic equipment or done any laparoscopic surgery with this trip being the first. Many thanks to the generous donation of a laparoscopic stack and equipment from Olympus which arrived by shipping container sent by DAISI a month earlier, we were able to conduct a three day laparoscopic workshop at NRH. It consisted of six overseas specialists including four colorectal surgeons Dr Matt Rickard, Dr Robert Winn, Dr Steve Smith & Dr Gary McKay, and two anaesthetists Dr Mark Lucey and Dr Eric Yip. Nurses Fran Fuller and Petrina Whiley from Westmead Private Hospital, and wardsman Seamus Williams also volunteered.
Above photo of shipping container with laparoscopic equipment being unloaded at National Stores, Honiara first day of laparoscopic workshop.
DAISI volunteers unpacking shipping container.
On arrival to Honiara we were fortunate to be welcomed by Dr Rooney Jagilly (Medical Superintendent at NRH), and had a meeting with the Health Minister Dr Tautai Agikimua Kaitu’u (see below).
The first day was a day of lectures on laparoscopy with the focus on teaching safe technique for performing diagnostic laparoscopy, laparoscopic appendicectony & laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It was well attended by all surgeons and trainees from NRH.
Colorectal surgeon Dr Robert Winn from Wollongong Hospital teaching principles of safe technique for laparoscopic surgery at laparoscopic workshop at NRH, Honiara.
With the aid of a laparoscopic trainer donated by Applied a simulated teaching session was possible for all the local surgeons and surgical trainees.
Left to Right: General Surgeon Dr Douglas Pikacha, Dr Chris Siotta and Surgical Registrars Dr Jimmy Denton & Dr Sylvester Kohia using lap trainer.
Due to the delay in arrival of laparoscopic equipment the afternoon was spent teaching fistula surgery by colorectal surgeons Dr Matt Rickard (Concord Hospital) Dr Stephen Smith (John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle), Dr Robert Winn (Wollongong Hospital) & Dr Gary McKay (Ryde Hospital).
Dr Douglas Pickacha doing the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy at NRH.
Day two and three at NRH consisted of all day laparoscopic workshops in the OT teaching safe open Hasson technique for inserting laparoscopic trochars, and basic procedures such as diagnostic laparoscopy, appendicectomy and cholecystectomy. Seven cases were done over the two days. Local surgeons Dr Douglass Pikacha (see below) did the first case (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), Dr Scott Siota did the second case (laparoscopic appendicectomy), and Dr Rooney Jagilly did the third case (diagnostic laparoscopy). This 3 day starter course will hopefully be the catalyst for future regular laparoscopic visits to teach and improve on skills already taught.
Nurse volunteers Petrina Whiley and Fran Fuller from Westmead Private Hospital, scrubbing up at NRH, Honiara.
This was the first DAISI trip to visit more than one hospital. DAISI was extremely fortunate to have volunteer surgeon Dr Douglas Pikacha attend the trip to Gizo, and anaesthetist Dr Jack Puti and surgical trainee Dr Clay Siosi attend the Helena Goldie Hospital trip in Munda
Day four and five was spent screening and operating at Helena Goldie Hospital (HGH) Munda and Gizo hospital in the far Western Province.
The beautiful Gizo hospital at Dusk.
Dr Steve Smith (colorectal surgeon from Newcastle) led the mission to Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, with anaesthetist Dr Jack Puti and surgical trianee Dr Clay Siosi from NRH in Honiara.
Volunteer anaesthetist Dr Jack Puti unpacking donated equipment at HGH, Munda.
All but three of of us arriving at Nasatupe airport, Gizo.
Left to right: Nurse Lalitha Sasa with scrub nurse Fran Fuller about to sterilise laparoscopic equipment between cases.
The last day was a Saturday and was spent operating in the morning with recreation (fishing and snorkelling) in the afternoon.
Nurses Roshini, Fran Fuller & Petrina Whiley coming back from market in back of pick-up truck with daily groceries.
Petrina Whiley, Lalita Sasa, Fran Fuller & Roshini McKay at farewell dinner.
Farewell photo at farewell dinner Naqua hotel.
Final boat trip to Nasatupe (Gizo) airport . Left to right: Roshini Mckay, Dr Mark Lucey & Dr Steve Smith.
Dr Matt Rickard & Dr Robert Winn stayed on a few more days to climb a volcano at Kolombangara island. Photos were limited as Robs phone fell in the water at the first river crossing!
Dr Matt Rickard taking shelter during their two day treck up mt Kolombangara.
Dr Matt Rickard & Dr Rob Winn during climb of mt Kolombangara
VIDEOS
LOG BOOK STATS
Gizo (16 cases)
NRH (7 majors)
Munda (10 cases)
1 major,
3 internediate
6 minors
