ដើម្បីអានជាភាសាខ្មែរ សូមចុច នៅទីនេះ
Prior to 2022, Cambodia had limited training and almost no equipment to perform laparoscopic surgery for its millions of people. This modern technology reduces the cost, size of incision, need for and duration of hospital stays, and post-operative complications considerably. Many types of surgery, including orthoscopic procedures, gynecologic procedures, removal of diseased gallbladders and appendices, among others, can be performed using this technique.
"Developing laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery strengthens the entire healthcare system and allows patients to return to work sooner, increasing their opportunities for increased economic prosperity," said Dr. Raymond Price MD, the Dr. Robert Dean Matheson Endowed Professor of Global Surgery at the University of Utah, who was involved with the project since its early days.
Recognizing this strategic importance, the Cambodian government and medical leaders sought assistance from The Association of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to nurture their hospitals and doctors with laparoscopic training and to provide necessary equipment. The goal was to eventually make the Cambodian healthcare system self-sufficient in performing these procedures.
To answer this request, a group of medical experts from the University of Utah Center for Global Surgery embarked on an educational mission in November 2022, conducting several day-long, in-person workshops in Cambodia to teach Cambodian doctors the needed skills. This program was funded by the Association and coordinated by senior medical volunteers from the Association.
The initial training was extremely successful as were additional follow-up training and equipment donations. Laparoscopic training was first provided by University of Utah surgeons and nurses. Now, responsibility for this training has shifted to the staff at Cambodia’s national teaching hospitals. This makes Cambodia self-reliant in training its laparoscopic surgeons.
The heartening progress in Cambodia’s medical landscape came to the fore in July 2024 when Calmette Hospital sponsored its own laparoscopic training in gynecologic procedures. This milestone training course was completely coordinated, staffed, and funded by Cambodia’s premier teaching hospital. Five Cambodian instructors taught 25 attendees. Those attendees are now trained and able to perform these less invasive procedures.
The Cambodian government and medical community are appreciative of the support of the Association in pioneering this training. Cambodia surgeons are now able to teach these techniques to doctors throughout Cambodia. This laparoscopic capability has greatly improved the medical options available to the Cambodia people as well as the quality and outcomes of their healthcare.