One week of Exchange to deliver High Quality Healthcare in ENT and Gynecology

A team of highly experienced surgeons recently completed a one-week medical exchange at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), performing up to 20 major surgeries in the fields of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and Gynecology. The initiative addressed complex ENT conditions as well as maternal and reproductive health complications, while providing hands-on training and knowledge sharing with local medical teams.

This surgical exchange underscores the benefits of ongoing international collaboration, with consultant surgeons from the United States and the United Kingdom contributing to both high-quality patient care and medical education at CHUK.

ENT Surgery Highlights

Consultant ENT surgeon Dr. Montio M. and Dr. Josianne Umutoni worked together with patients and the CHUK surgical team to treat a variety of complex cases. ENT specialists from the UK, affiliated with Nottingham and Robinson Health Facilities, commit to visiting Rwanda twice a year to manage complicated cases and mentor local surgeons.

Legacy of Hope Rwanda’s goal is to provide modern surgical equipment and expertise, supporting Rwandan medical professionals and patients who may not have access to advanced care. Over the past seven years, this collaboration has expanded to multiple surgical specialties, helping patients recover while training resident doctors.

For example, Dr. Josianne Umutoni performed a tympanoplasty alongside Dr. Montio M., repairing damaged eardrums to improve patients’ hearing and prevent chronic ear discharge. The procedure, performed using microsurgical techniques, involves harvesting a graft from the ear to close the perforation, with minimal bleeding, scarring, and excellent outcomes. Early medical intervention is emphasized to prevent complications and reduce the need for surgery whenever possible.

Gynecology Surgery Highlights

At the same time, Consultant Gynecologist Dr. Alexander Obo led critical gynecology procedures in collaboration with CHUK’s local surgeons, using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Procedures included addressing blocked fallopian tubes and assessing ovarian health via ultrasound to enhance fertility outcomes. Dr. Obo praised the hospital’s dedicated team, including Drs. David Ntirushwa and Vincent Dusingizimana, anesthesiologists, nurses, and midwives, for designing and implementing safe surgical protocols.

Dr. David Ntirushwa highlighted key reproductive health challenges, including congenital anomalies and infections, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and patient-centered care.

Leadership Perspective

Professor Martin Nyundo, Head of the Clinical Division at CHUK, expressed pride in the long-standing partnership with Legacy of Hope Rwanda. He emphasized that the exchange program aims to deliver high-quality surgical care while providing essential training for local medical staff, particularly for critical cases drawn from CHUK’s extensive waiting list.

Professor Nyundo noted the benefits of minimally invasive gynecology procedures in speeding patient recovery and reducing hospital stays. He added that ENT remains a key specialty of interest at CHUK and the University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences. The collaboration with Legacy of Hope continues to enhance patient care and surgical mentorship, addressing high demand and complex cases referred from district hospitals.