Aspen Medical aims to expand gynaecologic services at Lautoka Hospital

Last week, Aspen Medical welcomed a team of renowned gynaecologists who performed complex surgical procedures and conducted a workshop on laparoscopy.

The visiting team, comprising three specialists, worked alongside six clinicians from the Lautoka Hospital team to carry out 12 gynaecological laparoscopy surgeries over two days.Gynaecological laparoscopy is a keyhole procedure that allows surgeons to examine the pelvis,
fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus using a laparoscope – a thin telescope equipped with a camera and light.

Aspen Medical has successfully restarted minimally invasive gynaecological laparoscopy services at Lautoka Hospital which is being offered on a case-by-case basis.

Dr Tema Rasoki-Windust, a member of the visiting team, said, “We are honoured to return to Fiji for the third time in twelve months to continue providing life-changing surgeries and treatments through minimally invasive procedures. This time, we are particularly excited to collaborate with
our urogynaecology colleagues to address prolapse and incontinence surgeries, expanding our care to those who need it most.”

Also, part of the visiting team was Dr Viven Wong, who specialises in treating and diagnosing pelvic floor conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

Dr Wong operated on three patients with urogynaecology-related issues and provided training and supervision to the local team on surgical interventions available for urinary incontinence. Barry Herberts, Aspen Medical’s Chief Operations Officer in Fiji, said, “Lautoka Hospital
previously offered laparoscopy services, but due to resource constraints, these services have been unavailable for approximately a decade. Our goal is to offer regular laparoscopy services at our hospitals within the next few years.”

General surgeons at the Lautoka campus have already begun performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure for gallbladder removal. The gynaecology team will continue to lead the way in expanding the availability of minimally invasive surgeries.

The training and surgical procedures have been supported by the Australia and New Zealand group of gynaecological specialists, nursing and allied teams. The Ministry of Health, the International Women’s Association and other local sponsors have also contributed to this
initiative.