Global Surgery Research Open Day 2024: Reflecting on Evidence-Based Surgical Practice
On August 23rd, 2024, the Global Surgery Research Hub, in collaboration with the University of Rwanda and the University of Birmingham, hosted a successful Global Surgery Research Open Day at Lemigo Hotel, Kigali. The event, themed “Improving Surgical Care through Evidence-Based Practice,” brought together surgeons, researchers, and medical professionals to share insights, exchange knowledge, and foster collaboration in the realm of surgical research.
Opening and Key Remarks
The day commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Faustin, who provided an overview of the Global Surgery Research Hub’s ongoing initiatives. The opening remarks were delivered by the Guest of Honor, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Prof Didas Kayihura Muganga setting the tone for a day dedicated to advancing surgical care through research.
Ongoing Studies and International Collaborations
Ongoing studies, such as the EMUs and CAMEL projects, emphasized the innovative approaches being taken to enhance surgical procedures, monitoring, and skills acquisition.
The event also provided a platform for discussing ongoing studies that have the potential to reshape surgical practice in Rwanda and beyond. Notable projects included the PIGEON study aimed at improving surgical outcomes through community involvement, and the DRAGON trial presented by Dr. Allen Ingabire JC, which focuses on testing disposable versus reusable drapes and gowns for sustainable operating theatres.
Major Highlights of the Event
The event featured two major highlights:
- Surgical Residents Lead Research Presentations: A key segment of the day was dedicated to research presentations led by surgical residents, demonstrating their growing role in contributing to the field of surgery through research. The following studies were presented:
- Patient satisfaction and social reintegration post-reconstructive surgery in Rwanda – by Dr. Thierry
- Sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis versus Hartman's procedure for sigmoid volvulus: a systematic review and meta-analysis – by Dr. Mwizerwa Jean Luc
- Compliance with national guidelines in antimicrobial prophylaxis used in adult surgical patients who underwent abdominal surgery at CHUK – by Dr. Turatsinze Marcel
- Evaluation of chemoradiotherapy-induced ototoxicity among patients with head and neck cancer: experience at Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital – by Dr. Jean Theophile Muhawenimana
- Risk factors for unplanned abdominal reoperation and associated mortality in Kigali University Teaching Hospital: Cohort study – by Dr. Twambazimana Blandine
These presentations sparked insightful discussions on the challenges and innovations in surgical practices in Rwanda.
PhD Research Proposals Competition: The PhD Research Proposals Competition was another highlight of the event. It attracted ambitious researchers showcasing cutting-edge proposals. The winner of this prestigious competition was Mrs. Alphonsine Imanishimwe, whose project titled Surgical site infections and their environmental determinants in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries in Rwanda: A Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis stood out for its relevance and potential impact on surgical outcomes in Rwanda.
Other proposals presented included:
- Barriers to achieving 20-minute decision delivery interval during emergency cesarean sections in Rwanda hospitals – by Dr. Samson Habimana
- Variations in anatomical distribution of peripheral vascular disease through radiological study and clinicopathology presentation in Rwanda – by Dr. Jean Paul Rugambwa
The research presented during both sessions underscored the growing importance of integrating research into clinical practice to enhance surgical outcomes in Rwanda.
The Global Surgery Research Open Day 2024 successfully provided a platform for researchers and clinicians to share knowledge and inspire future collaboration, reinforcing the critical role of research in improving surgical care.