Terviseportaal
World’s leading ophthalmic surgeon to perform three operations on Ukrainian soldiers at Eye Clinic
On Friday, 22 November, oculoplastic surgeon Dr Richard C. Allen will perform three eye surgeries at the Eye Clinic, focusing on the surgical rehabilitation of the eyes of soldiers injured in the war in Ukraine. The surgeries will be broadcast in real-time, along with commentaries, discussions, and presentations.
‘We had already planned to invite one of the world’s most renowned oculoplastic surgeons in the field, Dr Richard C. Allen, to perform a surgical operation in real time. We also have cooperative arrangements in place to assist Ukrainian fighters. It is within the framework of this project that we brought these two ideas together,’ explains Dr Artur Klett, Head of the Eye Clinic.
Events in the operating theatre can be viewed online in real-time, with the main audience coming from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The events will also be broadcast on a screen in the V. Tuppits auditorium of East Tallin Central Hospital, while discussions and presentations will also take place. The events in the operating theatre will also be accompanied by commentary from the surgeons performing the operation, Dr Allen and Dr Klett.
‘It’s a very immediate and engaging experience, not simply the viewing of a standard video. In other parts of the world, where this method has been practised, it has always been well received and well appreciated,’ explains ophthalmologist Dr Kadi Palumaa. The East Tallinn Central Hospital has organised a real-time surgery conference day in this format before, the first time being 15 years ago.
‘In the case of live surgical broadcasts, it must be borne in mind that there is, if I may say so, a more attractive and less attractive part of the operation, i.e. the preparation for the operation. In order to make the broadcast as a whole interesting to watch, we fill such parts with discussions and presentations. Cameras will be set up in the operating theatre, as well as in the conference room, and switching between the two will be take place depending on the current situation,’ said Dr Klett, who also has experience organising similar operations abroad.
According to Dr Klett, the eye injuries sustained by the fighters arriving from Ukraine are the most complex in terms of severity, which on the other hand gives the observers the best opportunity to learn. ‘This is reconstructive eye surgery. Our job is to replace damaged or missing structures with new ones,’ added Dr Klett, who will also perform these surgeries with Dr Allen. ‘At the same time, there is a fair amount of experience with similar surgeries in peacetime and under peacetime conditions.’
According to Inge Suder, Head of Communications and Marketing at the East-Tallinn Central Hospital, the hospital has been very active for some time in helping injured Ukrainian fighters. ‘We recently organised a seminar in Ukraine, focusing on the rehabilitation of Ukrainian fighters after lower limb amputation. A number of Ukrainian fighters have also been treated at our rehabilitation centre. Four Ukrainian doctors are also on site to observe the eye operations, and will remain in our hospital for a few weeks after the operations to gain experience,’ explains Inge Suder.
The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) supports Ukrainian fighters and broader cooperation with Ukrainian health institutions.
All specialists are invited to watch the broadcast, along with those who are interested in gaining new insights and taking part in the rare opportunity to view live operations!
