In 1997 we reported in Shalom Magazine on the state-of-the art birthing method for performing Caesarean sections that is proving safer and simpler than those performed in the traditional manner. Perfected by Dr. Michael Stark, Medical Director of Misgav Ladach General Hospital in Jerusalem where it was first introduced, the Misgav Ladach Method is now being used in medical centers around the world. A Caesarean section (C-section) is the surgical removal of the foetus (the unborn infant) from the uterus (the mother's womb) when either the mother or unborn infant, or both, are at risk and normal delivery is dangerous or impossible.
The Misgav Ladach Method eliminates many of the conventional steps, resulting in a birth which takes less time, is less traumatic for the mother and her recovery is therefore extraordinarily rapid. There is less need for painkillers and, because there is less if any fever following the operation, less need for antibiotics, less scarring, less bleeding and less need for anaesthesia, and fewer complications. The benefits to patient and hospital and its staff are therefore significant. Risk of exposure to HIV is minimized and since the operation is performed rapidly, operating room and staff time is saved.
This past May, 1998, Dr. Michael Stark and Dr. Alexander Pinelis travelled to Vietnam and Laos, sent by MASHAV, to give lectures on gynecological surgery and demonstrate various procedures. Dr. Pinelis, senior obstetrician at Misgav Ladach, has accompanied Dr. Stark numerous times to assist and translate in Russian-speaking countries.
In Hanoi, Vietnam, they were hosted by Prof. Wang and Dr. Hah from "C" Hospital. More than 100 doctors from various hospitals in the region attended the session and received the Israeli doctors, who demonstrated a Caesarean operation, with great enthusiasm.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Israeli doctors were warmly welcomed at To-Do and Hong-Wang Hospitals. They performed a number of surgical procedures, training the local doctors at the same time. At Hong-Wang Hospital, the local staff briefed the Israeli doctors about their experience in the application of the Misgav Ladach Method which they had learned from Prof. Michael Runge, consultant from the University of Freiburg, in Germany. He himself had learned the method in Germany, where, according to recent reports, one-quarter of the hospitals are today using the Misgav Ladach Method.
At To-Do Hospital, some 32,000 births take place every year, with Caesarean sections accounting for approximately 25%. These statistics emphasize the importance of the Israeli doctors' visit. By adopting the Misgav Ladach Method, an estimated 4,000 working hours could be saved every year, adding up to almost 170 surgery work days in the operating rooms.
The doctors were warmly welcomed in Laos as well. Awaiting them at the airport was Dr. Sakhpshot, Director of the Women's Ward at Mahosoot Central Hospital in Vientiane, and his deputy. The Misgav Ladach Method is also known at this hospital, introduced several years ago by a French doctor.
The local staff showed tremendous interest, and requested additional lectures and information on a wide variety of subjects, besides C-sections. The Israeli doctors performed two complex surgical procedures for ovarian tumor removal, pointing out that the local staff would be able to perform this kind of surgery as well.
Dr. Stark, an accomplished pianist as well, notes that he has always looked for the simplest techniques in surgery as well as in music. But, he adds,"Learning the Misgav Ladach Method from reading articles is like learning to play from printed notes without ever hearing the music. It is always suggested first to learn the rationale of the operation, then to watch and assist, and then to perform it under guidance."