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An 84-year-old Cuban man managed to survive major surgery to remove an aggressive malignant tumor affecting multiple organs, in a provincial hospital in Villa Clara, despite the precarious conditions of the health system on the island.
According to the official broadcaster CMHW, the procedure was carried out at the "Celestino Hernández Robau" Oncological Hospital in Santa Clara, where a multidisciplinary team of specialists operated on Regino Monzón Monzón, a resident of Lajas, Cienfuegos, who had a chondrosarcoma located at the xiphoid process of the sternum.
The tumor, measuring more than 10 centimeters in diameter, invaded vital areas in the lower part of the thorax and upper abdomen, compromising essential structures such as the diaphragm, muscles, cartilage, bones, and even fat near the heart.
According to statements from Dr. Joel Ramos Rodríguez, the patient was not a candidate for either chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and the only viable option was a complex surgery.
During the procedure, which lasted four hours, the surgeons were able to remove the tumor.
However, the greatest challenge came afterward: reconstructing a 20-centimeter defect affecting the thorax, diaphragm, and abdominal wall.
The intervention of the reconstructive surgery team was necessary, which implanted a polypropylene mesh to stabilize the thoracic cavity and restore the functionality of the diaphragm.
The patient was hospitalized from June 26 to July 9, and at the time of discharge, he expressed his gratitude to the medical team.
Nonetheless, the case also highlights the extreme challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Cuba, where hospitals operate with deteriorating infrastructure, a shortage of basic supplies, and adverse working conditions.
The fact that an intervention of this magnitude has been achieved under such circumstances is undoubtedly a double miracle: the miracle of life and the miracle of surviving the collapsed Cuban healthcare system.
A young Cuban coach was struck by lightning while training a group of children, which caused him to suffer a cardiac arrest and left him clinically dead for several minutes.
However, after a medical intervention in Cienfuegos, he was able to recover his voice and part of his mobility, defying all medical predictions.
His case was deemed exceptional by specialists, who emphasized the coordination between on-site first aid and subsequent intensive hospital care as crucial for his survival.
In Tampa, a Cuban underwent an unprecedented procedure for patients of his profile: a double heart and liver transplant.
The American medical team faced several technical challenges due to the patient's critical condition and complications arising from advanced liver cirrhosis, along with severe heart failure.
Against all odds, the surgery was a success and the patient is recovering well, which represents a medical milestone and an example of resilience in the Cuban diaspora.
Meanwhile, at a hospital in Villa Clara, an 80-year-old man underwent a groundbreaking surgical procedure to remove a complex abdominal tumor that posed a threat to vital organs.
The medical team, despite the precarious conditions of the healthcare system on the island, successfully carried out an intervention without major complications, highlighting the value of local medical expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Surgery and the Healthcare System in Cuba
How did the elderly Cuban survive the major surgery performed in Villa Clara?
The elderly Cuban survived a complex major surgery thanks to the intervention of a multidisciplinary team of specialists at the "Celestino Hernández Robau" Oncology Hospital in Santa Clara. The operation involved the removal of a malignant tumor that affected multiple organs and the reconstruction of the resulting defect, using a polypropylene mesh to stabilize the thoracic cavity.
What are the main challenges of the Cuban healthcare system that are evident in this type of interventions?
The Cuban healthcare system faces serious challenges such as deteriorating infrastructure, a shortage of basic supplies, and adverse working conditions. These issues are evident in the difficulties in performing complex medical procedures and the necessity for professionals to work under extremely challenging circumstances.
What alternatives exist in Cuba for the treatment of advanced-stage cancer?
The options for cancer treatment in Cuba are limited due to a lack of supplies and equipment. Many patients arrive with late diagnoses and do not have access to timely treatments. Radiotherapy is critical and, at times, not available. However, local medications have been developed, such as the CIMAvax-EGF vaccine for lung cancer, although new molecular targets remain inaccessible.
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