KEY POINTS:
One Samoan heart patient has died after cardiac surgery by a team of specialists from New Zealand, leaving the NZ Surgeons and the Samoa National Health Services "devastated."
Although there were no major problems during surgery the team reports that Muipu Salatiule died on the 9th August 2008, admitted with gastroenteritis two days earlier.
"Everyone involved with this mission are devastated. It is very unfortunately that it cost life this time. It was never our intention to bring tragedy and sadness to patients and families," says a statement by the members of the New Zealand Good Samaritan Heart Mission to Samoa.
"All the members of the New Zealand Good Samaritan Heart Mission to Samoa firstly wish to extend their deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Muipu Salatiule on his unexpected death following his cardiac surgery. While the complexity and severity of this major surgery carries post operative risks of major complications and death, when such complications occur they are always a shock and of great concern to the clinical team," the National Health Services stated.
The death of Salatiule is the first loss for the New Zealand Good Samaritan Heart Mission to Samoa.
Operating on more than 20 Samoan heart patients in the past two years, the team have had positive results until now.
The operations started on Friday 25th July and the last two cases were on Wednesday, 30th July 2008.
Fourteen patients were operated on, of which 13 patients had repairs and replacement for rheumatic valvular heart disease, and one with pericardial window for pericardial effusion. According to the National Health Services (NHS) there were no major complications during surgery and in the first 48 hours after surgery.
"All were discharged home after five or six days in the ward. Instructions for home care were given and most of them were on medication like warfarin to prevent anticipated complications. The patients were followed up by the medical team," Dr. Stanley Dean General Manager of NHS stated.
However the Dean says that during post operative visits some patients noted to have increasing heart sizes.
"ECHO showed pericardial effusions and were advised to treat conservatively as they are expected findings post surgery," Dean said.
They noted that there one wound infection and seven have pericardial effusions.
Two patients were sent to New Zealand on Sunday, 10 August 2008, one had chest wound infection both are reported stable.
This is the second cardiac team to arrive in Samoa lead by Papalii Dr. Benjamin.
The team consists of forty staff from New Zealand including doctors, nurses, technicians and allied health workers.
The team says that although they acknowledge setbacks can occur they remain committed to Samoa.
"We remain determined to learn from experience of the two cardiac missions which have most certainly saved lives and with God's help continue cardiac surgery in Samoa to assist those in need of heart surgery."
-Pacific Current Affairs
