Microscopes give surgeons a brighter outlook

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX

Three weeks ago a Middlemore Hospital surgeon was faced with an all-too-common dilemma: he had emergency limb-saving surgery to perform but one of the hospital's two specialist microscopes was already being used and the other had broken down.

It is a dilemma surgeons are confident they will not have to face again for a while.

Two new state-of-the-art microscopes were unpacked and used for the first time last week and surgeons said the comparison with the old equipment was "phenomenal".

The hospital was able to buy the microscopes after a Herald appeal raised $370,000.

Each microscope cost $145,000, and the hospital also spent $75,000 on support equipment.

The appeal began after Auckland schoolgirl Carolina Anderson was mauled in a dog attack on January 31 and needed intricate surgery.

In the publicity about the attack surgeons revealed that it was incredibly frustrating working with the old microscopes during operations such as Carolina's because they were prone to breakdowns.

Thousands of donations poured into the Herald from around the country, ranging from several dollars to one anonymous donation of $140,000 - by itself, almost enough to buy one of the new microscopes.

Dr Karen Smith said the benefits would be significant.

"It's an upgrade to the extent that it could well be the difference between saving a limb or not."

The sophistication of the new equipment would enable surgeons to perform better surgery and even save time in some of the longer operations.

Dr Smith said the support from the public was extraordinary.

"I am always impressed with the public when it comes to the health system.

"They are prepared to wait patiently for days and days when it comes to procedures, and then they will pitch in to prop up the health system's finances."

The old microscopes will remain at the hospital and be used for training and as back-up when the new ones are undergoing maintenance or are both in use.

New microscopes Cost: $145,000 each

Patients: About 20 a week

Power: Can magnify 1mm nerves and blood vessels up to 20 times, compared with magnifying glasses, which magnify four times

The old microscopes: to be used for backup and training