Japanese professor trains Kazakhstani surgeons

In Astana, Kazakhstani doctors are performing complex surgeries on children with congenital conditions alongside Japanese Professor Atsuyuki Yamataka. The master class is helping specialists acquire new paediatric surgical techniques and introduce them into clinical practice in Kazakhstan, El.kz reports.

One of the first patients was a 6-year-old child whose organs responsible for urination were located significantly lower than their normal anatomical position. The surgical team was tasked with repositioning them.

The operation lasted approximately one and a half hours. Professor Atsuyuki Yamataka noted that the small size of the child’s organs required particular care during the procedure.

International expertise in the operating room

The professor came to Kazakhstan to conduct an intl master class in paediatric surgery. He is performing surgeries for congenital conditions, including procedures in paediatric urology and general paediatric surgery.

This is not the first time Kazakhstani doctors have worked with Atsuyuki Yamataka. According to Dinat Kozhekenov, Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at Multidisciplinary City Children’s Hospital No. 2, the professor has extensive practical and theoretical experience and shares his expertise with Kazakhstani specialists.

“Based on his recommendations, we are performing new types of surgical procedures that are already being introduced in our hospitals and will subsequently be used to treat our children and patients,” Dinat Kozhekenov noted.

Why doctors are adopting news techniques

Paediatric surgery is constantly evolving, and approaches to treating the same condition change over time. According to Dinat Kozhekenov, minimally invasive procedures are increasingly being introduced, requiring smaller surgical access, as well as techniques aimed at reducing the recovery period.

“Every year, new methods are developed even for the treatment of the same condition. Some of these methods are minimally invasive, meaning that large incisions are not required. Other improvements are aimed at enabling faster recovery,” the specialist said.

Changes are also taking place in conservative treatment. New medicines and treatment combinations are being developed, making it essential for physicians to continuously exchange knowledge and keep abreast of developments in medical practice.

Treating congenital conditions

As part of the master class, specialists are conducting patient consultations, reviewing complex clinical cases, and performing highly complex reconstructive surgical procedures.

Children from Astana and various regions of Kazakhstan with severe congenital conditions requiring specialised surgical treatment were selected to participate. One of the key areas is paediatric urology, including the treatment of hypospadias and the study of new surgical techniques for its correction.

According to Dinat Kozhekenov, Kazakhstani specialists also receive training in other countries and adopt international best practices. International cooperation enables physicians to exchange knowledge and introduce new techniques into domestic hospitals.

Master class  continues

The specialists have several more days of practical work ahead, including complex reconstructive surgeries and professional knowledge exchange. For physicians, this is an opportunity to work directly with international experts and further develop their surgical skills.

The visit of Professor Atsuyuki Yamataka and Professor Takahashi Junichiro to Kazakhstan was made possible through the Zhuldyzai Corporate Foundation as part of the MUMKINDIK project. The master class is being held at Multidisciplinary City Children’s Hospital No. 2 under the Akimat of Astana.