U.S. surgeons perform first less-invasive operation

U.S. surgeons perform first less-invasive operation

JAKARTA (JP): A team of doctors from the United States and
Indonesia yesterday 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 yesterday 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 US 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 will be held
tonight at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital. (14)