Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo has marked a historic milestone by performing its first-ever laparoscopic surgery.

The hospital announced the achievement in a social media post, stating that the surgery was carried out during a special camp of visiting doctors currently being held on the island. The procedure was performed by a team of specialists who had travelled to Thinadhoo for the camp.

Laparoscopic surgery, which uses a camera and requires only minimal incisions, allows for less invasive procedures and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

The hospital described the successful operation as a major step forward in surgical care, bringing world-class treatment capabilities to the region for the first time.

The surgical team included specialists from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Malé. Dr Abdulla Ubaid, a laparoscopic surgery specialist who led the procedure, stated in a social media post that the surgery was completed successfully thanks to the collaborative efforts of the team. He expressed gratitude for their dedication and hard work.

Alongside Dr Ubaid, the visiting team comprised Dr Mohamed Waheed, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery and advanced wound care; Dr Ibrahim Adil, a specialist in general surgery and advanced wound care; and Dr Mohamed Shifan, a surgical oncologist.

Other specialists participating in the camp include Dr Ali Aafee, a neurosurgery specialist; Dr Abdulla Adsar, a urological specialist; Dr Asadh Mohamed Shaheed, an anaesthesia and chronic pain specialist; and Dr Aishath Azna Ali, a throat and bariatric surgery specialist.

The medical camp in Thinadhoo, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and IGMH, began last Thursday and concluded on Saturday.

In addition to performing the historic surgery, the visiting doctors have attended to patients at the hospital’s outpatient department and conducted training programmes for local doctors and nurses.