Gynecologist performs first successful surgery

GYNECOLOGIST Dr Bao Yiming, the medical specialist member of the 13th China Medical Team, performed the first total laparoscopic hysterectomy on 60-year-old Rose Patrick last November at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and most likely the cervix, depending on the reason for the surgery.
A hysterectomy could involve removing surrounding organs and tissues, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
“The uterus is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. Its lining is the blood you shed during your menstrual period. You won’t be able to get pregnant and you won’t get your period after a hysterectomy.” Bao said.
She said the patient had suffered from a third stage of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (abnormal cells that are found on the surface of cervix when biopsy is done), and was assisted through the life-saving operation by the Chinese medical experts.
Bao also conducted laparoscopic examinations for infertility, fallopian tube patency tests, and laparoscopic diagnoses for patients with reproductive organ malformations.
She said compared to traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery offers advantages such as clearer visibility, less blood loss, smaller incisions, faster postoperative recovery, and shorter hospital stays, making it the preferred treatment for many diseases.
“Minimally invasive surgery in Papua New Guinea has progressed from urology with the help of the Chinese medical teams to now include gynecology, general surgery, neurosurgery, and various other minimally invasive surgeries.
“In December 2022, the China-Papua New Guinea Friendship Centre for Minimally Invasive Surgery was officially established at the Port Moresby General Hospital, operating in collaboration with the China Medical Team and local doctors. Additionally, doctors from Port Moresby General Hospital will visit Chongqing for exchange programmes annually.
In May 2024, three doctors, including a gynecologist, are scheduled to Chongqing for a six-month training programme in laparoscopic surgical skills,” she said.
Bao said Chinese team members would continue to uphold the spirit of saving lives and serving the people of Papua New Guinea. Following the spirit of “better teaching a man how to fish than give him fish”, they aim to cultivate a sustainable medical team for Papua New Guineans.