“During the evaluation we considered
whether or not the patient was a candidate
for a vaginal approach to treatment,” explains
Dr. Ramses. “Within an hour of the patient’s
scheduled abdominal hysterectomy, the
option of removing the fibroid vaginally
instead of putting her through major surgery
appeared not only possible but preferable.
We removed the fibroid without complication,
and were able to view the inside of the
uterus with the hysterscope, which showed
the patient also had polyps. We immediately
removed the polyps, which provided an
important resolution of her symptoms.”
Today, the patient is doing well without any of
the potential complications of a hysterectomy.
“The future of surgery is minimally invasive,”
states Dr. Ramses. “We have very limited
resources; and, before we received the
Hologic hysteroscopy system, could not
offer women minimally invasive treatments.
This equipment provides the best option for
women because it decreases the social and
economic weight of the surgery.”
“As a gynecologist, having the hysteroscopy
equipment prepares me for the future,”
continues Dr. Ramses. “I am very lucky;
many physicians in Rwanda would like to
be in my position, with the equipment and
resources I have today.”
The IOWD, an all-volunteer, non-profit
organization, was founded in 2003 by
Barbara Margolies to treat women in
Africa suffering from obstetric fistulas.
IOWD began in Niger. In 2010, IOWD
brought its mission to the women of Rwanda.
Three times a year, IOWD sends teams of
nurses, physicians, and technicians to
treat women; and, simultaneously, train
physicians, medical students, and surgical
residents on new techniques for treating
gynecological conditions.
T
he future of surgery is minimally invasive.
We have very limited resources; and, before
we received the Hologic hysteroscopy system,
could not offer women minimally invasive
treatments. This equipment provides the best
option for women because it decreases the
social and economic weight of the surgery.
Dr. Ramses Ramazani
Pictured above: from left to right, Dr. Patrick, Director of
Muhima District Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; Dr. Scott Eder,
OB/GYN International Organization for Women & Development;
and Dr. Ramzes, OB/GYN, Muhima District Hospital
IMPACT APRIL 2014 | 7