I spent 3 months on sabbatical in Samoa working with Shaun Mauiliu , Areta Samuelu, Robert Fa’ataga and Michael Leota.
The main purpose was to do and teach basic spine surgery (discectomy and all types of decompressions, no instrumented surgery). I brought a spinal bed (Wilson frame ) with me and some basic decompression instruments.
We did 13 spinal decompressions, had 2 dural tears (sutured during the surgery) , but no other complications. During my stay I also did many other surgical procedures such as infection surgery, revision surgery, severe trauma (dislocated spine) and corrective surgery. There was great support from the team, nursing staff and an enormous gratitude from the patients.
I was impressed by the great hands of the surgeons and the failure of surgery or bad outcomes were almost entirely attributable to lack of proper instruments and implants. I believe Samoa has a great future for orthopaedic surgery, but will need ongoing support.
I encourage other surgeons to spend time in Samoa, supporting the team with mentoring and upskilling. Especially subspecialty surgeons/teams are useful, since they already have a good solid basic skill set.
Besides work, I had the pleasure to enjoy Samoa at its best ; food, beer, golf, walks, snorkeling, wedding, BBQ, quiz night, a visit to Savaii, dinners and parties.
I can only recommend it. Everyone benefits from this experience, myself and the people of Samoa. What more can one ask for.
Koen De Ridder,
(Paediatric and Spinal orthopaedic surgeon – usually based in Wellington, New Zealand)