The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) surgical team, currently camped at Samfya District Hospital, has successfully performed a life-saving emergency operation on a 42-year-old woman who developed severe complications following a recent cesarean section.

The patient had undergone a cesarean section seven days prior to the ZFDS outreach. Three days later, she began experiencing worsening abdominal pain. She initially presented at a local clinic, where pus was observed discharging vaginally, prompting an urgent referral to Samfya District Hospital for further management.

Upon evaluation, the medical team diagnosed her with pelvic peritonitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the pelvic cavity. She was immediately taken to theatre for emergency surgery.

During the procedure, surgeons discovered a significant amount of pus within the pelvis, along with a large infected collection surrounding the uterine incision site. Due to the severity of the infection and the imminent risk to her life, the team performed a subtotal hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) with the patient’s consent to control the source of infection. Hemostasis was successfully achieved.

The operation was led by Consultant General Surgeon Dr. Tazrussell Mwenya, assisted by Senior Resident Doctor Dr. Jotham Mufalali and Dr. Mishael Mweetwa. The team also included Mr. Raphael Chewe (Scrub Nurse), Ms. Soffie Chewe (Anaesthetist), and Ms. Penelope Kabungo, who ensured the patient remained stable throughout the procedure.

This successful intervention highlights the critical role played by ZFDS in delivering specialized surgical care to remote areas, bringing life-saving services closer to communities in need.

The patient is currently recovering well under close medical supervision.