On Wednesday 22^nd Aug Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town received a hundred thousand dollar laparoscopic tower that will enable patients there to undergo minimally invasive surgery.

John Douglas, President of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association (SFA) who presented the equipment to Lizzette Yearwood, Health Services Authority (HSA) Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Today, in collaboration with the CEO and medical director of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, we the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association, are proud to provide into your safekeeping, our vitally essential medical equipment purchase, donated specifically for use at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority for the betterment of health services delivery by which all of the people of the Cayman Islands shall receive the benefit of.”

Laparoscopy is a type of surgery done through several small incisions in the abdomen. Small tools and a laparoscope (tiny camera) are placed through the incisions to allow the surgeon to see inside the belly and perform surgical tasks. This type of surgery is very popular, as it usually shortens recovery time. It also leaves only very small scars in most cases.

Caribbean Olympus representative from Andar International, Kieran Casey, who installed the machine, says having this technology puts medical services in Cayman on par with those in the United States.

“It’s able to do surgical procedures from general surgery in your abdomen and all different specialities,” he said. “It can do arthroscopy (joint surgery), gynaecology, urology and general surgery.”