Китайские врачи впервые в Занзибаре провели лапароскопическую операцию по лечению грыжи пищевода

Feature: Chinese doctors help Zanzibar patient regain health through minimally invasive surgery ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, July 15 (Xinhua) -- For more than a decade, Khadija Ali Saleh lived with persistent pain that gradually eroded her quality of life. The 76-year-old resident of Tanzania's Zanzibar suffered frequent episodes of severe heartburn and chest discomfort caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. What began as a manageable condition gradually worsened, forcing her to rely on medication just to get through each day. "I suffered for many years," Saleh said. "After eating, I would feel pain in my chest, and sometimes I could not even rest properly." Her case was referred to Lumumba Hospital in Zanzibar, where doctors diagnosed her with a hiatal hernia following a series of examinations. However, the hospital had never performed minimally invasive surgery to treat the condition. Facing the challenge of treating an elderly patient with limited local options, doctors at the hospital turned to the 35th batch of the Chinese medical team in Zanzibar for support. "The decision finally changed my life," she said. Upon receiving the request, Bao Zengtao, leader of the Chinese medical team and a senior general surgery expert, immediately began assessing the case. "The conclusion was clear," Bao said, noting that medication could no longer resolve the problem and surgery was the only viable option. Anticipating gaps in local surgical capacity, he had arranged to bring specialized equipment from China, including an ultrasonic scalpel, surgical clips and composite mesh for hiatal hernia repair. These tools proved essential in carrying out the complex procedure. On the day of the surgery, a team of local doctors gathered in the operating room. Using laparoscopic techniques, Bao performed precise dissection and reconstruction of the hiatal region, repaired the hernia and completed a fundoplication procedure to prevent acid reflux. The operation addressed the root cause of Saleh's long-standing illness. The procedure marked the first successful laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair combined with fundoplication performed in the region, according to Haitham Hamudu, a local general surgeon at Lumumba Hospital. But the operation was about more than treating a single patient. Throughout the procedure, Bao provided real-time guidance to local surgeons, explaining key anatomical structures, surgical techniques and risk management strategies. "This is a major step forward for us," Hamudu said. "It opens the door for treating more patients locally." Since its deployment, the Chinese medical team in Zanzibar has combined clinical services with training and capacity-building, aiming to create what experts describe as a "medical team that will never leave." Through hands-on teaching, mentorship and the introduction of new technologies, the team is helping strengthen the local healthcare system in a sustainable way. For Saleh, however, the most immediate impact was personal. Her recovery was swift. Within days, the symptoms that had troubled her for years disappeared. "I feel like I have been given a new life," she said. Now back at home, Saleh spends her days resting and enjoying time with her large family. "I am grateful," she said simply. Photos - Night market of Xishuangbanna sees surge in visitor arrivals during summer peak tourism season - Pulu weaving tradition thrives in Kyimxi township, SW China's Xizang - Intangible cultural heritage breathes new life into Dong village in SW China's Guizhou - Badminton shuttlecocks boost development of county in SW China's Guizhou Related Stories - China, Tanzania, Zambia reaffirm commitment to revitalizing TAZARA at railway's 50th anniversary - China, UN-backed program equips Tanzanian youth with skills for development - Chinese, Russian embassies in Tanzania mark anniversary of partnership with cultural event - China's Juncao tech draws attention at livestock expo in Tanzania - Cultural event deepens China-Tanzania people-to-people exchange Copyright © 2026 People's Daily Online. All Rights Reserved.