First patient undergoes innovative jaundice treatment in Seychelles |20 November 2014

An 80-year-old woman suffering from obstructive jaundice became the first patient to undergo a new procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in Seychelles.

This became possible when two consultant gastroenterologists, Dr Stephen Patchett and Dr Hugh Mulcahy who were holidaying in Seychelles from October 9-14 were approached with the request by Dr Murthy Pillay, a private practitioner trained in gastroenterology. Dr Murthy is a past trainee of Dr Stephen Patchett.

The ERCP performed in the operating theatre of the Seychelles Hospital also had in attendant Dr Henry Telemaque, consultant in charge of surgical department.
 
Open surgery was averted by this procedure where a plastic stent was placed in the common bile duct, allowing the restoration of biliary drainage. Such procedure can also be used in patients with stones in the bile duct, pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

The procedure is performed by a special side viewing endoscope called duodenoscope which is inserted through the mouth of the sedated patient just like when doing a gastroscopy.

The two consultant gastroenterologists were very happy to render their expertise and have started discussions with the Health Care Agency of the Ministry of Health on other interventional endoscopic procedures and training for doctors.

The 80-year-old woman is being followed at surgical outpatient clinic in the Yellow Roof Building and her condition is said to have been greatly improved.