Muhimbili National Hospital–Mloganzila (MNH–Mloganzila) has successfully performed, for the first time, a surgery to remove a tumor from the large intestine using a minimally invasive technique known as laparoscopic lower anterior resection, which was conducted by local specialists.
According to a statement released by the hospital, the surgery took approximately two hours, which is significantly shorter compared to traditional open surgery, which typically takes around four hours.
The statement further explains that this new service, now available within Tanzania, offers several benefits to patients: reduced pain after surgery, minimal blood loss, smaller surgical scars, shorter hospital stays, and quicker wound healing times.
Commenting on the procedure, Dr. Richard Mliwa, a specialist in gastrointestinal and liver surgery at MNH–Mloganzila, stated that this advancement was made possible through major investments by the government in medical equipment, healthcare infrastructure, and capacity building for medical professionals.
“These investments have enabled the hospital to deliver proper and multidisciplinary care to patients using local expertise,” said Dr. Mliwa.
