Mr Leepile will need to learn a new way of speaking after his life was saved by larynx surgery (North West Department of Health)
Patients needing larynx surgery in the North West will no longer need to travel to other provinces for medical assistance. This comes after the provincial health department performed its first surgery at the Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp.
Previously, doctors had to refer patients needing surgery to other provinces. However under the guidance of ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Glen Monama, the province recorded its first successful operation.
“A patient by the name of Mr Leepile had cancer of the larynx. He was the first patient to have his larynx removed here in the province,” said North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha. “The operation was made successful through the expertise of Dr Monama, a specialist surgeon who joined the department towards the end of 2019.”
The larynx is part of the throat between the base of the tongue and the trachea or wind pipe. It contains the vocal cords, which vibrate and make sound when air is directed. According to the National Health Institute, laryngeal cancer affects the tissue cells of the larynx, and experts say it causes 200,000 deaths globally.
(Bruce Blaus/WikiJournal of Medicine)
Sambatha explained that the procedure entailed inserting a device which diverts air from the lungs into the pharynx. This is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity, bypassing the affected larynx. The patient now needs voice training so that he can could get used to a new way of talking. Still, Mr Leepile remained positive and upbeat throughout his treatment, the department said.
“Although the procedure is used worldwide, it was the first operation of its kind here in North West. Being unable to talk can be very disturbing. We are happy that Mr Leepile did not only get his life back but his voice too,” said Sambatha.
Prevention is still better than cure
Common causes of laryngeal cancer include smoking and alcohol abuse. The MEC says although the department is excited about the ever increasing range of specialist services at Klerksdorp’s Tshepong Hospital, its focus remain on preventative measures.
“Cancer of the larynx is largely a preventable disease because most of the cases are caused by smoking. We encourage people to quit smoking as this will help reduce the number of cases we are seeing,” he said.
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