The expert surgeons of Lahore's Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital performed a successful operation on a pelvic tumor patient, removed the bone cancer and reconstructed the patient's hip joint with the help of a custom implant made with China's advanced 3D printing technology. China Economic Net (CEN) reports that this complex surgery is a major milestone in the field of orthopedic oncology in Pakistan, opening the door to the latest medical treatment for local patients.
Complex bone cancer cases in Pakistan usually face severe difficulties in fitting imported conventional prosthetics as each patient's bone structure is unique. Thanks to advanced digital scanning and 3D printing, implants are now being manufactured that closely match the patient's physical characteristics. This procedure shortens the operation time, stops the blood loss and helps the surgeons to remove the cancerous part more accurately.
How does a Chinese 3D implant work?
Tumors in the hip and pelvis are often difficult for surgeons to remove because they contain important blood vessels and nerves. Traditional methods use large bone grafts that cause infection or malfunction in the long term.
- Design according to the patient's structure: With the help of digital scans, the exact bone that is to be removed from the body is printed.
- Best Material: This implant uses titanium which easily bonds with the human bone.
- Faster Recovery: Due to the correct fitting, the patient is able to stand on his feet soon after the operation.
Expansion of Pak-China medical cooperation
This successful operation is proof that Pakistan's medical institutions and Chinese biotech companies are coming closer to each other in the health sector. Institutions like Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital are now actively involved in bringing the latest technology used around the world to Pakistan so that poor and middle class patients who cannot afford treatment abroad can get world class facilities within the country.
What should you do?
If God willing you or a loved one is facing bone cancer or complex tumor, instead of relying on a general practitioner, approach an orthopedic oncologist from a major medical institution like Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital or Shaukat Khanum Hospital, Lahore. Have a detailed consultation with your surgeon regarding custom implants and keep all medical reports with you.
What to look forward to?
Keep an eye on the import and regulatory framework of customized medical devices by DRAP as the relaxation of these rules will allow this advanced treatment to reach other government hospitals in Pakistan at a lower cost.