How a mission trip to Nigeria changed the lives of 80 patients

Prashanth Ramachandra, MD, Mercy Fitzgerald bariatric surgeon, and chief resident Raj S. Lingnurkar, MD, recently joined eight other health care providers from hospitals throughout the United States for a week-long trip to Ogun State, Nigeria, where they performed 80 successful surgeries. This area is known for high poverty; many of the patients have been forced to live untreated and in pain with limited access to quality health care.

“As a surgeon in training, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment in using my art to heal those in greatest need,” says Lingnurkar. “I was driven to service from a young age by seeing my father provide charitable medical care, and it gives me great satisfaction to be able to follow in his footsteps.”

During the months leading up to leaving for Nigeria, over 40 boxes were shipped overseas containing surgical supplies including sutures, drapes, gloves, gowns, cautery units and some anesthesia equipment. “Our one-week mission was the culmination of over six months of effort in planning,” says Lingnurkar. “Through weekly telehealth appointments, we interviewed patients, reviewed labs and imaging, and selected cases. This critical legwork laid the foundation for success in our mission abroad.”

Patients were treated for a variety of conditions including thyroid issues, breast tumors, hernias and gallbladder disease. Because of the inability to afford health care treatment, many of these patients suffered for years until they were introduced to Dr. Ramachandra and his colleagues.

“My dad always said, ‘Let everything you do in your life be driven by love, compassion, humility and devotion.’ I try to follow that the best that I can.” – Prashanth Ramachandra, MD

One patient was a young man who was treated for a second surgery to fix a hydrocele, which is a serious condition impacting the testicles that is prevalent in newborn and premature infant boys. This young man had borrowed money to afford his first surgery. However, that surgery was unsuccessful, and he continued to live in pain with no way to afford another surgery. Until he met Dr. Ramachandra.

Throughout the telemedicine appointments, the young man was fearful that this surgery would also be unsuccessful. After continued testing, research and reassurance, Dr. Ramachandra and his team were able to successfully operate on the hydrocele.

Since returning from Nigeria, Dr. Ramachandra, Dr. Lingnurkar, and the other providers have continued to follow up with each patient. Everyone who received surgery is recovering well and Lingnurkar and Ramachandra are eagerly looking forward to their next trip in November to Guyana. “I enjoy doing these missions,” says Ramachandra. “My dad always said, ‘Let everything you do in your life be driven by love, compassion, humility and devotion.’ I try to follow that the best that I can.”