For the first time in the history of Villa Clara, a surgeon at the Celestino Hernández Robau Oncology Hospital in Santa Clara successfully performed a mediastinal tumor biopsy using the Uniportal VATS technique. Remarkably, the patient was able to walk home less than 48 hours after the procedure.
Dr. Joel Ramos Rodríguez, a General Surgeon specializing in Oncological Thoracic Surgery, shared this groundbreaking achievement on Facebook, stating, "We achieved a historic milestone in Thoracic Surgery here in Villa Clara by performing a biopsy on a mediastinal mass through a 5 cm incision in the chest, assisted by a video camera (Uniportal VATS)."
The patient, Nayelis Torres, a 23-year-old from Matanzas, placed her trust in the skilled team from Villa Clara to address her undiagnosed tumor.
On Sunday, Dr. Ramos released photos and a video documenting the outcome: "Nayelis, a 23-year-old from Matanzas, is walking home less than 48 hours after undergoing a complex thoracic surgery. No pleural tube, breathing independently, reclaiming her life."
Understanding Uniportal VATS
Uniportal VATS enables intricate thoracic procedures through a single incision ranging from 2.5 to 5 cm, eliminating the need to separate ribs. This method significantly reduces postoperative pain and shortens hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery.
The technique was pioneered by Dr. Diego González Rivas, a Spanish surgeon who performed the first case worldwide in June 2010 in A Coruña, and has since taught it in over 138 countries.
Dr. Ramos acknowledged Dr. González Rivas as "the founding father of this surgical technique" and expressed gratitude to DrC. Rodolfo Morales (Cuba) and DrC. Mario Bustos (Argentina) for their mentorship.
Surgical Breakthrough Amidst Challenges
The surgery took place not at the Celestino Hernández Robau Oncology Hospital, but at the "Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" Cardiocenter in Santa Clara, which provided its minimally invasive surgery tower.
"This triumph was made possible by the generosity and greatness of the Ernesto Guevara Cardiocenter, which opened its doors and allowed us to use its minimally invasive surgery tower. Without them, this story would not have been written," the doctor stated.
The surgical team included anesthesiologist Dr. Nazco, nurse Lic. Gleibis and her team from the Surgical Unit, Intensive Care staff, General Surgeon Dr. Sergio León, and Dr. Marcia María O'Farril, a reconstructive surgeon and Dr. Ramos's wife.
Addressing Unmet Needs
Despite the success, Dr. Ramos highlighted a significant issue: the Celestino Hernández Robau Oncology Hospital, the only surgical hospital in Santa Clara, lacks a minimally invasive surgery tower.
"We have the trained personnel, the experience, and most importantly, the willingness to apply these techniques to our oncology patients, who would greatly benefit from quicker, less painful recoveries," he remarked.
His appeal was measured: "We are not asking for anyone's resources; we hope that someday our hospital will acquire the necessary equipment to meet the needs of our patients."
Villa Clara reports a cancer incidence rate of 140 cases per 100,000 residents, with lung cancer being particularly prevalent, making the systematic access to these techniques in the province's main oncology center crucial.
Nayelis Torres is now at home, awaiting the biopsy results. Dr. Ramos concluded his message with a pledge: "We continue to dream of an operating room that meets our patients' needs and strive to turn this small step into a significant leap forward for everyone."
FAQs on Uniportal VATS in Cuba
What is Uniportal VATS?
Uniportal VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for thoracic procedures that involves a single small incision, reducing recovery time and postoperative pain.
Why is the Uniportal VATS technique significant for Cuba?
The Uniportal VATS technique is significant for Cuba as it allows for complex thoracic surgeries with minimal invasion, which is crucial given the high incidence of cancer cases and the limited resources for advanced medical procedures.
Who pioneered the Uniportal VATS technique?
The Uniportal VATS technique was pioneered by Dr. Diego González Rivas, a Spanish surgeon, who performed the first procedure in 2010.