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Soldiers

First Minimally Invasive Gall Bladder Surgery Performed in Afghanistan

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The University of Maryland Medical System is proud to announce the first minimally invasive gall bladder surgery performed in Afghanistan, scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2006. This groundbreaking procedure will pave the way for all U.S. troops serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as coalition forces and members of the Afghan National Army and Police, to access advanced surgical techniques. The surgery will be performed by Maj. Ross D. Segan, M.D., at the 14th Combat Support Hospital at Bagram Air Force Base, and broadcast live to over 1,700 surgeons attending a meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons in Dallas, Texas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first minimally invasive gall bladder surgery in Afghanistan will be performed by Maj. Ross D. Segan, M.D., at the 14th Combat Support Hospital at Bagram Air Force Base.
  • The surgery will be broadcast live to over 1,700 surgeons attending a meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons in Dallas, Texas.
  • This milestone surgery will provide access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques for U.S. troops and coalition forces serving in Afghanistan.
  • The procedure is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Army, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and several surgical/health care technology firms, including Stryker Endoscopy, Stryker Communications, Tyco Healthcare/U.S. Surgical, and BoxLineBox. Ltd.
  • The donated supplies and expertise from these firms have enabled the development of this critical capability for U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
  • The minimally invasive approach will enable soldiers to recover locally without evacuation and return to full duty several weeks sooner.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,700 surgeons will attend a meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons in Dallas, Texas, on April 28, 2006.
  • The minimally invasive approach can reduce recovery time for soldiers from several weeks to several days.
  • The partnership between the U.S. Army, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and several surgical/health care technology firms has resulted in the development of this critical capability.

Sources:

  • "First Minimally Invasive Gall Bladder Surgery Performed in Afghanistan Scheduled for April 28, 2006" by the University of Maryland Medical System & School of Medicine, as cited by AScribe, The Public Interest Newswire.

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