With support from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), a patient who had spent years searching for answers to a troubling heart condition has been given a new lease on life after successful surgery at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
The patient, who had previously sought treatment from multiple hospitals, herbal centres, and prayer camps across the country, was finally diagnosed at the UGMC Cardiothoracic Centre with a right myxoma, a rare tumour located inside the heart chamber.
A cardiac myxoma can present with symptoms such as heart failure, fainting (syncope), or cardiac asthma, and if left untreated, may lead to serious complications including stroke, multiple embolisms, or even death.
Following diagnosis, a team of specialists at UGMC successfully performed open-heart surgery to remove the tumour, restoring normal blood flow and giving the patient a second chance at life.
The cost of such a procedure typically ranges between $7,500 and $10,000, placing it beyond the reach of many without financial assistance.
Speaking on the case, the Director of Medical Affairs and Cardiothoracic Surgeon at UGMC, Dr. Baffoe Gyan, noted that while cardiac myxomas are relatively rare in Ghana, they account for about 8.1% of all open-heart surgeries performed at the Centre due to its status as a national referral facility.
The Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for its timely intervention.
“We extend huge congratulations to the entire heart team, comprising cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists,
cardiac surgeons, cardiac scrub nurses and critical care nurses, perfusionists, pharmacists, laboratory and blood bank personnel, biomedical engineers, and many others. Today, one life has been restored. Tomorrow, with your support, many more can be” he said.
He also called on the public to support the initiative, emphasizing that such contributions can help ensure that more patients in need of advanced medical care are able to access life-saving treatment regardless of cost.
