Novopolotsk ophthalmologists perform operations using equipment unique to the republic

Recently, the ophthalmology department of the Novopolotsk Central City Hospital received an operating ophthalmological microscope and a phacoemulsifier. For local specialists, this is not just an upgrade of the material and technical base, but a kind of technological breakthrough and new opportunities, as equipment of this level is only available to medics in regional centers. And in terms of some characteristics, such a novelty is the first in the republic. The devices were installed in December, but with their help, several dozen operations have already been performed, mainly on cataract and glaucoma surgery.

– The expert-class microscope from an American manufacturer, which we have at our disposal, is the first in the republic, – explains Svetlana Sharafanovich, head of the ophthalmology department. – Its main advantage is the innovative stable red reflex technology, meaning that no matter where the patient, under local anesthesia, shifts their eyeball, tissue visualization is maintained, and the doctor can continue the operation. It is important to note that modern optics allow for more detailed visualization of eye tissues during microsurgical operations. The old general surgery ophthalmological microscope did not have such an advantage, although we performed the entire necessary range of manipulations on it. Today, we perform operations of any complexity on the anterior segment of the eye. Meanwhile, the microscope is a basic model, and with its additional комплектация, it is possible to operate on the posterior segment of the eye as well.

The new device is very convenient to operate. It is equipped with an additional tube for the assistant, who can observe the course of the operation and assist the surgeon. Individual automatic programming of parameters for the operating doctor and assistant is also provided, as everyone has their own vision and working speed. There are three types of control – manual, using a foot pedal, and a touchscreen, so if something fails during the operation, it is enough to switch to another mode and continue working.

The medics of Novopolotsk have also acquired a phacoemulsifier manufactured by the same American company. The entire set of equipment ensures minimally invasive interventions, reduces the risk of complications, and promotes rapid patient recovery. Svetlana Sharafanovich emphasized that with the acquisition of modern optics, it has become possible not only to improve the quality of work but also to perform two operations simultaneously, as the old microscope also remains in operation. This should significantly reduce the waiting list, as previously, appointments for surgery were made 2-3 months in advance. The department provides emergency and planned care to adults and children from Novopolotsk, Polotsk, and 10 nearby districts. This amounts to approximately 2,000 patients annually, over a thousand operations, with surgical activity exceeding 60%.

The need to update the material and technical base for local ophthalmologists has been long overdue, and the hospital management has managed to attract the attention of the city administration and enterprises to this issue. After some time, the expensive equipment was purchased through sponsorship.

– We strive to bring our ophthalmological service closer to the level of metropolitan clinics, – says the chief physician of the hospital, Sergey Nekrasov. – Modern equipment and high-tech methods will allow us to improve the quality of medical care, increase volumes, and, consequently, reduce the burden on regional healthcare institutions. We will continue to develop in this direction, and in the future, we plan to open an eye microsurgery department. In addition, in early January, it is planned to relocate the ophthalmology and urology departments to renovated premises, provided that the builders do not fail with the completion of the reconstructed main building. In the same building, after the commissioning of the second construction phase, the physical therapy department with a swimming pool, therapeutic baths, and much more for patient rehabilitation will also be located.

Natalia Ryzhkova, "Vitebskiye Vesti"