Heart patient has microsurgery

JAKARTA (JP): A team of doctors from the United States and Indonesia on Thursday performed the first minimally-invasive micro-surgery on a heart patient at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital.

The team of doctors, led by Col. Sutopo M.D. from the hospital and Alex Zapolenski M.D. from the San Francisco Heart Institute, said that they are pleased with the results.

Sutopo told The Jakarta Post over the phone on Thursday that the patient appeared to be in excellent condition following the three-hour operation.

The 50-year-old patient, whom the doctor identified only as GK, should be able to walk by today and perhaps even return home within three days. Patients that undergo regular surgery procedures usually need 7 to 10 days to recuperate, Sutopo added.

Minimally-invasive micro-surgery was introduced about two years ago in the U.S. for complex coronary surgical, The new method, believed to cost 50 percent less than standard surgery, is also said to be healthier for the heart.

"The heart continues to beat during the operation, and the patient has a smaller wound," Sutopo said. Regular surgeries usually require the use of a machine to temporarily replace the heart's normal function.

The surgery was conducted as part of an agreement between the Indonesian Army Medical Services, the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital and the San Francisco Heart Institute to exchange medical consultation and training.

A seminar on international medicine, specifically on the topic of cardiovascular, was held on Wednesday by the associates. More than 160 medical practitioners and students attended.

An introduction of the newly established program was held last night at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital. (14)