In a momentous achievement for black excellence, a groundbreaking heart surgery was successfully performed at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care.
The 21-year-old patient, Reneilwe Lekaba, underwent the first successful atrial septal defect (ASD) percutaneous closure surgery at the hospital. Her mother, Motshidisi Lekabathe, expressed her joy and gratitude, highlighting the challenging journey they had endured and the lack of understanding about her daughter’s condition.
Dr Kabelo Raphala, one of the cardiologists involved in the procedure, explained that Lekaba had a hole in the wall separating the chambers of her heart, causing a mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The plan was to close the hole with a patch, requiring meticulous planning and a skilled medical team comprising cardiologists, cardiac technicians, trained sisters, and anaesthetists.
The surgery, which lasted over three hours, presented challenges as it was a first-time procedure for most of the team. However, with divine grace, it was a resounding success. Post-operation, the patient is recovering well, and the medical team remains hopeful that this is just the beginning of many more successful procedures.
North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha commended the achievement, emphasizing the remarkable dedication and expertise of young specialists across South Africa. He emphasized that this surgery was a testament to the capabilities and achievements of the province’s residents, serving as a proud reminder of their resilience and potential.
The historic heart surgery at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital stands as a significant milestone in cardiac care, representing a triumph of black excellence and underscoring the immense talent and determination of medical professionals in South Africa.
Source Link Triumph of Black Excellence: Historic Heart Surgery at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital Sets New Milestone in Cardiac Care
