Evolution of visceral surgery in Laos

Laos has the highest infant mortality rate in Southeast Asia, with 51 deaths per 1,000 births. On-site surgery for seriously ill children speeds up their treatment and increases their chances of survival.

This is the challenge taken up by La Chaîne de l’Espoir and its pediatric visceral surgery program in Laos since 2011. This in-depth work has enabled Laotian surgeons to become progressively autonomous, saving a growing number of children. The mission to the capital Vientiane last March had the dual aim ofoperating on children and honing the expertise of Dr Vongphet Soulithone and his assistants.

40 small patients seen and 25 operated on

Pediatric visceral surgeons Prof. Pierre Hélardot and Prof. Bruno Bachy, and anesthetists Prof. Isabelle Murant and Dr. Salem Mounsaveng, saw around forty patients in consultation. 25 of them underwent surgery, including a baby just 8 days old. This example shows once again that sharing skills is the best way to reinforce the impact of our actions.