GPHC performs Guyana's 1st pediatric liver resection, saves infant from liver cancer

Guyana: In a significant development, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) successfully performed Guyana's first pediatric liver resection on an infant from Linden. This remarkable procedure was conducted on an 18-month-old baby, Chelsea, who was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer named hepatoblastoma. After a complex nine-hour-long surgery on May 23, the tumor was successfully and completely resected from the liver of the child.

According to the medical authorities, it was a long journey which started with one of the dedicated Guyanese Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Maria Seepersaud, assemble a team to provide a chance to the child.

The initial phase of the treatment included a series of chemotherapy sessions, which were administered by a local oncologist, Dr Archer, and her team. After five of these sessions, the tumor had reduced in size by around 50 percent, which made it possible to proceed with surgical removal.

As the surgery was very  complex in nature, two specialists were called to assist the team. Jamaica's Dr Colin Abel and USA's Professor Steven Dunn provided their expertise to the officials in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Doctors Arturo and Fernando ensured the baby's safety throughout the anesthesia process, as safety was the utmost priority throughout the procedure.

Dr. Marisa Seepersaud led the local team and described the surgery as a formidable undertaking that involved several complex and critical steps.

The doctor expressed profound gratitude to the GPHC administration for their swift response and support and to Dr. Abel and Dr. Dunn for their invaluable assistance and ongoing support to the pediatric surgical department.

The mother of the 18-year-old showed her confidence in the team's management since the beginning, and after the surgery, the critical care team continued to monitor the baby, who is anticipated to be discharged soon.

It is to be noted that the success rate of major liver resection surgeries can range from a 5 percent mortality rate in developed nations to as high as 31 percent in less experienced regions. Reaching this milestone within just ten weeks from admission to surgery at GPHC showed the dedication and expertise of the Guyana medical team.