Comprehensive Report on the Outreach by Liberia Physicians and Surgeons Without Borders (LPSWB) in Collaboration with Hernia International UK at C.B. Dunbar Government Hospital
Introduction
From June 25 to June 29, 2024, the Liberia Physicians and Surgeons Without Borders (LPSWB), in collaboration with Hernia International UK, conducted a free hernia surgery campaign at C.B. Dunbar Government Hospital in Banga City, Bong County, Liberia. This outreach aimed to provide essential surgical care to patients suffering from hernias, thereby improving their quality of life and reducing the burden of untreated hernias in the region. This mission marked the first collaboration between Hernia International and C.B. Dunbar Government Hospital.
Team Composition
The medical team comprised highly skilled professionals from various specialties:
- Dr. M. Peter George – Consultant Surgeon, Team Lead
- Dr. Ayun Cassell III – Consultant Urologist Surgeon
- Dr. Abraham Ajami – Specialist Internal Medicine & Emergency Response
- Dr. Michael Kempeh – Specialist General Surgeon
- Dr. Arthur Wuoh – Specialist General Surgeon and Medical Director
- Dr. Ambrous Fawenneh – Medical Officer
- Dr. Brooks – Medical Officer in Rural Rotation
- Momoh Sonnie – Nurse Anesthetist
- Roger Corcor – Operating Theatre Technician
Mission Overview
- Arrival and Preparation: The team arrived on June 24, 2024, and began preparations for the surgeries.
- Surgical Campaign: Surgeries commenced on June 25, 2024, and continued until June 29, 2024.
- Patient Recruitment: Dr. Arthur Wuoh, Medical Director and Specialist General Surgeon, was responsible for recruiting all patients who underwent operations.
Data Collection
Data collected during the mission was categorized to reflect various aspects of the outreach, including patient demographics, types of hernias operated on, surgical outcomes, and postoperative care.
1. Patient Demographics
- Total Number of Patients Operated On: 108 procedures
- Age Distribution of Patients:
- Mean age: 31.69 years
- Age range: 0.2 to 73 years
| Age Group | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent |
| 0 – <10 | 23 | 21.3% | 21.3% |
| 10 – <20 | 15 | 13.9% | 35.2% |
| 20 – <30 | 14 | 13.0% | 48.2% |
| 30 – <40 | 16 | 14.8% | 63.0% |
| 40 – <50 | 16 | 14.8% | 77.8% |
| 50 – <60 | 9 | 8.3% | 86.1% |
| 60 – <70 | 10 | 9.3% | 95.4% |
| 70 – <75 | 5 | 4.6% | 100.0% |
| Total | 108 | 100% | 100% |
- Gender Distribution of Patients:
| Gender | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent |
| Female | 35 | 32.4% | 32.4% |
| Male | 73 | 67.6% | 100.0% |
| Total | 108 | 100% | 100% |
2. Types of Procedures
| Procedure | Frequency | Percent |
| Herniorophy | 51 | 47.2% |
| Herniotomy | 11 | 10.2% |
| Lipomectomy | 10 | 9.3% |
| Cesarian Section | 9 | 8.3% |
| Hydrocelectomy | 9 | 8.3% |
| Myomectomy | 6 | 5.6% |
| Umbilica Hernia Repair | 4 | 3.7% |
| Cystecyomy | 3 | 2.8% |
| Hysterectomy | 2 | 1.9% |
| Fistula | 1 | 0.9% |
| Mayo Repair | 1 | 0.9% |
| SUB-TAH | 1 | 0.9% |
3. Surgical Outcomes
- Number of Successful Surgeries: 108 procedures
- Complications Encountered: None
- Length of Hospital Stay Post-Surgery: 1 night
- Patient Satisfaction and Feedback: Very Good
4. Postoperative Care
- Postoperative Recovery Protocols: Hernia International Standards
- Follow-up Schedules: Managed by the Hospital Management
5. Anesthesia Given
| Anesthesia Type | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent |
| General Anesthesia (G/A) | 36 | 33.3% | 33.3% |
| Spinal Anesthesia (S/A) | 72 | 66.7% | 100.0% |
| Total | 108 | 100% | 100% |
6. Diagnosis Percentages
| Diagnosis | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent |
| Adhesion | 1 | 0.9% | 0.9% |
| Bowel Aneste | 1 | 0.9% | 1.9% |
| BIH | 5 | 4.6% | 6.5% |
| Hydrocele | 7 | 6.5% | 13.0% |
| Infected Cyst | 1 | 0.9% | 13.9% |
| LIH | 18 | 16.7% | 30.6% |
| Lipoma | 10 | 9.3% | 39.8% |
| LISH | 1 | 0.9% | 40.7% |
| Myoma | 9 | 8.3% | 49.1% |
| Obstructed Labor | 7 | 6.5% | 55.6% |
| Ovarian Cyst | 1 | 0.9% | 56.5% |
| Previous C/S | 1 | 0.9% | 57.4% |
| RIH | 36 | 33.3% | 90.7% |
| RISH | 2 | 1.9% | 92.6% |
| Testicular Cysts | 1 | 0.9% | 93.5% |
| Umbilical | 5 | 4.6% | 98.2% |
| Umbilical Hernia | 2 | 1.9% | 100.0% |
| Total | 108 | 100% | 100% |
7. Procedures Performed by Doctors
| Doctor | Frequency | Percent | Cumulative Percent |
| Dr. Cyrus | 2 | 1.9% | 1.9% |
| Dr. Fawsenneh | 16 | 14.8% | 16.7% |
| Dr. George | 35 | 32.4% | 49.1% |
| Dr. Kempeh | 35 | 32.4% | 81.5% |
| Dr. Massaley | 11 | 10.2% | 91.7% |
| Dr. Wuoh | 6 | 5.6% | 97.2% |
| Dr. Yohn | 3 | 2.8% | 100.0% |
| Total | 108 | 100% | 100% |
Summary of Findings
A detailed analysis of the data collected during the mission indicates a high success rate with minimal complications, reflecting the expertise and dedication of the medical team. Patient satisfaction levels were very high, and there were no significant complications encountered.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Liberia Physicians and Surgeons Without Borders and Hernia International UK at C.B. Dunbar Government Hospital was a significant milestone. This first mission successfully provided much-needed surgical care to numerous patients suffering from hernias, showcasing the importance of such outreach programs.
Prepared By
Dr. M. Peter George (MD, FACS)