Medical breakthrough as North West records first ever patient to have larynx removed
The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has commended the specialist who successfully performed the first ever operation of larynx in the Province. Previously these patients would have been referred to Gauteng for this procedures.
The patient, Mr Leepile had cancer of the Larynx. He was the first patient to have his larynx removed here in the Province. Thanks to the expertise of Dr Monama, ENT surgeon who joined the department towards the end of 2019.
Speaking post this successful operation Health MEC Madoda Sambatha said that the Province continue to attract specialists who are now handling complicated procedures previously never done in the Province.
“The procedure is very complicated and required skilled experts. It removes the voice box leaving one with no voice. He was treated with radiotherapy beginning of 2020 as is always the case after surgery. The experts waited for him to heal so we can attend to his voice challenges. Unfortunately COVID19 delayed his reconstruction surgery further but we are now happy it all went well”, said MEC Sambatha.
Mr Leepile remained positive and patiently waited for his surgery. The procedure entailed inserting a device which diverts air from the lungs into the pharynx. The pharynx vibrates producing a sound similar to the one produced by vocal cords. He needed training as well to get used to the NEW way of talking.
Again although it is a procedure used worldwide, it was the first case here in North West. Being unable to talk can be very disabling. We are happy Mr Leepile did not only get his life back but his voice too.
Although the Department is excited about the ever increasing range of specialist services in Klerksdorp, its focus is still on prevention.
“Cancer of the Larynx is largely a preventable disease because most of the cases are caused by smoking. We encourage people to quit smoking as this will help reduce the number of cases we are seeing”, said MEC Sambatha
The Department wish to also encourage people especially smokers to consult doctors whenever they experience loss of voice lasting two weeks or longer. Most of the patients seen by our specialists come very late when the cancer is far gone and nothing can be done.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 067 422 7763
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
