Twelve children in Fiji have successfully received pediatric heart surgery at Sai Prema Hospital. This life-changing procedure was made possible by an international medical team led by Ukrainian cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor Kalangos Afksendiyos, who completed the surgeries in just five days.
Professor Kalangos reported that the team performed a total of 13 surgical interventions, noting that one child required two major surgeries due to five congenital heart defects. He highlighted the significance of their work, particularly mentioning that three surgeries were carried out for severe mitral insufficiency in female patients.
“We also performed three surgeries in children with severe mitral insufficiency, all of whom were female. We repaired the valves, and mitral valve repair is a better option compared to replacement with a mechanical prosthesis,” explained Professor Kalangos.
He emphasized the important lesson for local medical professionals, stating that mitral dysfunction is repairable in pediatric patients and that repair is preferable to mechanical replacement.
Dr. Krupali Tappoo, the hospital director, expressed her gratitude for the visiting team’s commitment and skill in tackling congenital heart disease.