January 31, 2023
Surgery patients are now benefitting from the addition of a second laparoscopic surgical tower at the Drumheller Health Centre. The new equipment was funded by community donations to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation. Photo supplied.
Story by Amelia Schofield
DRUMHELLER — Surgery patients in Drumheller are now benefitting from the addition of a second laparoscopic surgical tower at the Drumheller Health Centre. This equipment allows surgeons to complete more laparoscopic procedures in the local community.
Laparoscopy is a surgical technique which uses small incisions to complete the procedure. The technique is minimally invasive to the patient, leading to less pain and discomfort, fewer wound complications, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time.
The new tower is being used to complete several laparoscopic surgeries at the Drumheller Health Centre, including gall bladder, appendix, hernia, colorectal cancer and some gynecological procedures. With the second tower, both health centre operating rooms can now be used for laparoscopic procedures at the same time.
“This surgical tower is truly state-of-the-art and the best technology currently available,” says Dr. Rehan Masood, surgeon at the Drumheller Health Centre and board member of the Drumheller Area Health Foundation.
“The new tower has a high-definition camera and large monitor to ensure a high field of vision during complex procedures. We’re also able take photos and videos during procedures, which helps us when we consult with colleagues for their expertise.”
The new surgical tower was funded by the Drumheller Area Health Foundation. The dollars were raised through the sale of solar lights which the Foundation displayed in the Health Centre’s gardens during the summer, a fundraising raffle, and donations through the foundation’s annual direct mail campaign.
“We’re so appreciative to our donors, year after year, for their support of the foundation,” says Susan Schmidt, board chair of the Drumheller Area Health Foundation.
“We have an incredibly generous community, and they truly rallied behind this cause. With their donations, we were able to successfully raise $160,000 for this equipment within a year.”
According to Dr. Masood, the foundation’s partnership has been critical to expanding the surgical program at the Drumheller Health Centre.
“The surgical team in Drumheller, including myself, are so grateful for the support the foundation and community has provided to our program over the years,” he adds.
“They also funded our first laparoscopic surgical tower and several pieces of endoscopy equipment, which has allowed us to perform more surgeries locally, limiting a patient’s need to travel and allowing them to recover close to home."
“The foundation and its donors have been such great partners to our hospital,” adds Milan Mijatovic, acting site manager for Drumheller Health Centre.
“We really appreciate their contributions toward this important surgical equipment — and for all they do to advance care at the health centre.”
Learn more about the Drumheller Area Health Foundation.
