THE Spanish Town Hospital (STH) has carried out its first laparoscopic right hemicolectomy surgery, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s surgical capabilities.

This groundbreaking procedure, done on March 18, was followed by the hospital’s first laparoscopic hernia repairs, performed on April 1.

Laparoscopic surgery, often referred to as minimally invasive surgery, involves smaller incisions, which result in reduced pain; fewer wound complications, such as infections; shorter hospital stays; and a faster return to normal, productive activities for patients.

“This is an exciting development for the medical team at STH, as our goal is to expand the range of surgical options available to our patients using minimally invasive techniques, and ultimately establishing STH as a centre of excellence for laparoscopic surgery,” said Dr André Vaccianna, consultant general surgeon at the hospital.

He pointed out that on Tuesday the medical team at hospital performed a laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.

“The STH will continue its efforts to integrate these advanced procedures into routine care. Future cases will be selected based on patient eligibility assessed during clinic visits,” said Dr Vaciciana.

He further explained that laparoscopic colectomies are most often done for patients with colon cancer and other patients that need hernia repairs usually for those with symptomatic hernias.

These advancements align with the South East Regional Health Authority’s commitment to enhancing health-care delivery by offering state-of-the-art surgical treatments to the public.

STH is now undergoing a $5.5-billion project which will see the transformation of the 430-bed hospital into a state-of-the-art, six-storey facility spanning more than 17,000 square metres.

The facility will offer expanded services such as urology, oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry.

It will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including electronic access to patient medical records, multiple operating theatres, and increased bed space, moving from 470 to 600.

The new building will also include an accident and emergency wing on the ground floor, along with an ambulance bay, triage and consultation rooms, and lounge areas for medical staff.

Redevelopment of the Spanish Town Hospital falls under the Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP), which is being funded through a US$50-million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a grant of €10.2 million from the European Union (EU).

The Government of Jamaica has committed US$87 million.