Khammouane Provincial Hospital launches laparoscopic gynaecological surgery

In the Lao PDR, Khammouane Provincial Hospital has successfully performed its first laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, marking a significant milestone for healthcare services in the province. On 20 February 2026, a medical team led by Dr Sangay TSHERING, clinical care adviser for Khammouane Provincial Hospital under the Health and nutrition programme, performed a minimally invasive procedure on a patient diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. With the programme’s support, the introduction of minimally invasive techniques now enables the hospital to offer women safer procedures, shorter recovery times, and reduced postoperative discomfort—improvements that hold particular importance in rural and remote areas where access to advanced care remains limited.

The surgery, performed on a 64‑year‑old woman diagnosed with a 9 × 4 cm ovarian cyst, was completed safely and the patient recovered without complications. She was discharged on the second postoperative day, reflecting the efficiency and reduced recovery time associated with laparoscopic techniques.

The laparoscopic equipment was supplied by the Ministry of Health of the Lao PDR in 2025. Clinical capacity was subsequently strengthened through the support of the Health and nutrition programme, under the leadership of Dr Sangay TSHERING, whose long-standing expertise in laparoscopic surgery was instrumental. This initiative contributes to the long-term objective of ensuring that people in the Lao PDR have access to essential health services, particularly reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) and nutrition services that are high-quality, affordable and inclusive, leaving no one behind.

The Health and nutrition programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.