The Tribune

By MARIA JOSE CHONG

WHEN Keva Ellis was diagnosed with kidney cancer earlier this year, time was truly of the essence.

Luckily, the efforts and determination of Dr Darius Unwala and staff at Doctors Hospital have allowed her to become the first patient in the Bahamas to undergo a surgery known as a Laparoscopic Nephrectomy.

In order to obtain the best possible outcome in her battle against the aggressive form of cancer, Keva needed to start chemotherapy and other treatment as quickly as possible.

When first presented with the serious diagnosis, she decided to seek a second opinion, but surgeons in Florida backed Dr Unwala’s findings.

Dr Unwala said: “Laporoscopic Kidney removal is a better option than the traditional open surgical procedure because rather than ending up with an 8-10 inch incision along the rib-cage, the patient ends up with a much smaller two inch incision.

“This is less painful, means they will generally spend less time in hospital, experience negligible blood loss during the procedure, require fewer medications to manage the pain, and in most instances, be able to resume normal activities and get back to work in two weeks rather than six.”

Mrs Ellis decided to undergo the surgery in the Bahamas. She explained: “While I was seeking this second opinion and making my decision, there was some development in my cancer, so I really had to move fast.

“I’ve only ever been in hospital before to have my children so it was important to me that my support system be by my side and that was much easier if I opted to have the surgery at home, and I really liked and trusted Dr Unwala.” Dr Unwala had preformed the procedure nearly 70 times prior to returning home last September.

He said: “It was exciting to be able to offer Bahamian patients the same options and quality of care at home and no longer have to refer patients to the United States.”

Doctors Hospital chief executive officer Charles Sealyhis said his team is always excited when physicians return home and bring new knowledge and the ability to use newer techniques and technology.

“This presents us at Doctors Hospital with the opportunity to bring that knowledge to the Bahamas so Bahamians can benefit,” he explained. “Doctors Hospital is committed to supporting and partnering with these new physicians in terms of providing necessary training for our staff and also in terms of getting in any new technology and equipment needed in order for them to deliver this level of care.

Dr Unwala said Keva’s surgery was a “very difficult case that went really well”.