Commencing open heart surgery in resource limited countries: lessons from the LASUTH experience

The challenge of commencing cardiac surgery in developing countries of Africa is onerous. We present a model from the experience of carrying out open cardiac surgical procedures at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) with three separate missions between 2004 and 2006. This paper details the challenges of starting open heart surgery in a resource limited environment. We propose that owing to the huge financial investment needed, government sponsorship as well as collaboration with overseas based and local non-governmental agencies may be required to jump start the process of open cardiac surgery. Local staff training opportunities are also provided by such missions and this can further be complemented by overseas exposure in areas of need for capacity building. In our centre, the initial investment has led to the recruitment of additional trained staff including 2 cardiothoracic surgeons. Further benefits of training of 2 perfusionists and a nurse has improved capacity in cardiac surgery service at our center.