The medical sector in Guyana reached a milestone with the successful completion of the first pediatric liver resection on Thursday, May 23.
This significant medical procedure was performed on an 18-month-old girl who had been diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric liver cancer.
Multidisciplinary team effort leads to success
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) highlighted the efforts of a multidisciplinary team, led by the skilled Guyanese Pediatric Surgeon, Dr. Marisa Seepersaud.
The team embarked on a comprehensive treatment regimen that began with multiple chemotherapy sessions under the direction of GPHC’s oncologist, Dr. Kandacy Archer.
Following the chemotherapy, the tumor had reduced in size by about 50 per cent, setting the stage for surgical intervention.
International collaboration enhances local expertise
The complexity of the surgery required the expertise of international specialists. Dr. Colin Abel, Head of Pediatric Surgery and Liver Transplant at Bustamante Hospital for Children in Jamaica, and Professor Steven Dunn, a leader in Pediatric Surgery and Solid Organ Transplant at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, USA, were called upon to assist.
Their collaboration with the local team was pivotal in the successful removal of half of the young patient’s liver.
The operation
Dr. Seepersaud described the nine-hour surgery as a formidable undertaking due to its complexity and the critical nature of the steps involved.
The operation concluded with the complete removal of the tumor, marking a significant achievement in the field of pediatric surgery in Guyana.
Postoperative recovery and ongoing care
Post-surgery, the young patient remained under the vigilant care of the pediatric critical care team.
With the liver’s ability to regenerate, expectations are high for the full recovery of normal liver function as the child grows.
This case also underscores the varying mortality rates for major liver surgeries across different regions, highlighting the importance of skilled surgical intervention.
Impact beyond a single operation
During the same period, two other pediatric patients benefitted from surgical interventions for large sacrococcygeal teratomas, demonstrating the broad capabilities of the visiting and local surgical teams.
The success of these procedures has opened the door to future collaborations aimed at enhancing pediatric surgical care in Guyana.
Continued support and collaboration
The GPHC expressed immense gratitude towards the visiting specialists for their commitment to supporting the Pediatric Surgical department.
This partnership not only improves immediate patient outcomes but also sets the foundation for future advancements in pediatric healthcare in the region.
