In a major milestone for Ghana’s public healthcare system, Lekma Hospital in Accra has successfully conducted the country’s first Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for an inguinal hernia, marking a breakthrough in minimally invasive surgical practice within government-run facilities.
The pioneering procedure was performed on 46-year-old Godwin Seglah, who had been experiencing recurrent lower abdominal pain since February.
Initially diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia at the 37 Military Hospital, Mr. Seglah was recommended for traditional open surgery but opted for a second opinion and was referred to Lekma Hospital for an alternative approach.
After a thorough evaluation by Dr. Yang Yongguang, Team Leader of the China Medical Team in Ghana, and Dr. Mahamadu Zakariah, Head of Surgery at Lekma Hospital, the patient was deemed a suitable candidate for the TAPP laparoscopic technique — a globally recognized advanced procedure that offers numerous benefits over conventional open repairs.
The 1.5-hour surgery was carried out through seamless cooperation between the Chinese and Ghanaian medical professionals, showcasing the value of international collaboration in advancing healthcare delivery.
Mr. Seglah recovered remarkably well, was mobile just one day after the operation, and was discharged the following day — a testament to the benefits of minimally invasive techniques.
Inguinal hernias are among the most common surgical conditions in Ghana, and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as bowel strangulation and necrosis.
Until now, public hospitals in Ghana primarily relied on traditional open tension repairs.
The successful execution of the TAPP procedure at Lekma Hospital not only reduces patient recovery time and postoperative pain but also significantly lowers recurrence rates and improves cosmetic outcomes due to minimal scarring.
“This successful first TAPP procedure in Ghana’s public system is a landmark achievement, filling a critical gap in our nation’s surgical capabilities,” said Dr. Yang Yongguang.
He acknowledged the long-standing collaboration between Lekma Hospital and successive Chinese Medical Teams, noting: “Through persistent joint efforts in minimally invasive and cataract surgery, Lekma Hospital has risen to become a leading institution in Ghana, achieving excellence in these fields.
We remain committed to deepening our collaboration with the Chinese Medical Team to further advance minimally invasive services for the benefit of Ghanaian patients.”
