The China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital has reached a major medical milestone following the successful performance of a complex gynecological surgery by Dr. Song Yuying, a specialist with the 27th batch of the Chinese (Hunan) Medical Team to Sierra Leone.
The procedure involved an extrafascial total hysterectomy combined with sacrouterine ligament suspension on a 43-year-old female patient, Mariama Bundu, who was suffering from multiple large uterine fibroids. It is the first time this advanced surgical technique has been successfully performed at the hospital, marking a significant development in local gynecological care.
The patient was admitted with extensive uterine fibroids, with imaging revealing dozens of large tumors, the largest measuring over 15 cm. The uterus had enlarged to approximately the size of a seven-month pregnancy and occupied much of the pelvic and abdominal cavity. The condition was highly complex, with a significant risk of hemorrhage and rare severity even in high-resource settings.
Given the severity of the condition and the patient’s lack of future fertility desire, Dr. Song worked with the local gynecology team to design a more definitive surgical approach. Instead of the commonly used subtotal hysterectomy in the local setting, the team opted for an extrafascial total hysterectomy, an internationally recognized standard that reduces recurrence risk and ensures complete removal of diseased tissue.
After detailed counseling and consent, the operation was performed on May 20.
During the procedure, the surgical team faced an unexpected power outage lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Despite the sudden loss of lighting and rising temperatures, the team continued the operation using emergency lighting and a single functioning surgical lamp.
Dr. Song, supported by anesthesiologist Dr. Wang Xitang and nursing specialist Tan Yan, maintained precise surgical control throughout the interruption. The team continued operating safely despite the difficult conditions, relying on clinical experience and strict coordination.
The surgery was completed successfully, with the removed uterus weighing approximately 2.8 kg. The patient recovered well, was able to ambulate on the first postoperative day, and has since returned to normal daily activities.
Medical staff noted that the technique provides clearer anatomical dissection, reduces the risk of recurrence, and supports faster postoperative recovery compared to traditional methods.
Local medical professionals, including Dr. Samuel Ngaujah, praised the procedure for its clinical value and training significance, noting its potential to improve surgical standards in Sierra Leone through knowledge transfer and hands-on learning.
This successful operation represents a significant step forward in advancing specialized gynecological surgery in Sierra Leone. It also highlights ongoing medical collaboration between Chinese and Sierra Leonean healthcare teams, with a focus on capacity building, surgical training, and improved patient outcomes.