In moments when every second matters, timely medical intervention can mean the difference between life and loss. It was under such critical circumstances that Kapit Hospital recently achieved a significant medical milestone.
Kapit Hospital has successfully performed its first ever emergency thoracotomy, marking an important step forward in the hospital’s capacity to manage complex and life-threatening cases.
A race against time
The life-saving procedure involved a female patient in her 50s who was experiencing continuous internal bleeding within her thoracic (chest) cavity. The emergency thoracotomy was carried out to stop the bleeding and stabilize the patient’s condition under urgent circumstances.
Image credit: The Borneo Post
The surgery was led by consultant surgeon Dr Rajiv Kamalagaran, with support from the hospital’s general surgery and anaesthesiology teams, whose coordinated efforts were vital during the critical operation.
Commitment and teamwork
“We would like to extend our appreciation to Dr Rajiv and the general surgery and anaesthesiology teams at Kapit Hospital for demonstrating the exemplary professionalism, dedication, and strong teamwork in handling the emergency,” the hospital said in a statement.
They added that the successful procedure reflects Kapit Hospital’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its emergency medical services.
Image credit: klinik24jamnearme.my
Continued care
Following the surgery, the patient was referred to Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching for close observation and post-operative care to support her recovery.
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