The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has successfully conducted a week-long surgical outreach in Ikelenge District, during which 25 life-changing surgical procedures were performed at Kalene Mission Hospital.

Led by General Surgeon Dr. Kelly Makonko, the outreach screened 74 patients, with 25 requiring surgical intervention.

Among the procedures performed were four emergency caesarean sections due to fetal distress and prolonged second-stage labour. The surgical team also successfully carried out a complex exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy on a 42-year-old woman.

Other notable procedures included the removal of calcified cysts from a 69-year-old man and the excision of a submandibular salivary gland tumour in a 65-year-old woman.

A bilateral tubal ligation was also performed on a 32-year-old mother of eight following informed consent and counselling.

Paediatric surgical services were equally done.

Several patients with thyroid-related conditions were assessed but could not undergo surgery due to the unavailability of thyroid function testing during the outreach. These patients have been scheduled for further evaluation during the upcoming medical camp in Kalumbila, commencing on 10 June, where the necessary diagnostic services will be available.

The theatre team comprised Dr. Kelly Makonko (Lead Surgeon), Sapalo Kaluba (Anaesthetist), and Raphael Makosa and Ality Kameya Potter (Scrub Nurses).

This outreach underscores ZFDS’s commitment to bringing specialised surgical services closer to remote and underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all.