By Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabweans seeking weight-loss surgery can now access a minimally invasive procedure locally that does not require the large abdominal incision traditionally associated with open surgery, in a development that could reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for specialised treatment.
Trauma Centre Borrowdale says it has performed several laparoscopic gastric sleeve procedures, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, using small surgical openings rather than opening the abdomen.
The procedure involves removing part of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach and is used in the management of severe obesity and related metabolic conditions.
In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr Vivek Solanki, CEO of Trauma Centre Borrowdale, said the availability of the procedure marked an important development for Zimbabwean healthcare, as patients previously had to travel outside the country for such treatment.
“Previously, this was not done in the country. You had to go overseas to have these procedures done,” Solanki said.
He said the minimally invasive approach could be particularly beneficial for patients with obesity and severe metabolic disorders who may face increased risks associated with conventional open surgery.
“So this makes it much easier and advanced technology and minimising the risk of surgery,” he said.
According to Trauma Centre, several gastric sleeve procedures have already been performed at the facility, with specialists now available to provide the service in Zimbabwe.
The development forms part of a wider expansion of advanced surgical and specialist services at the private hospital, which says it is also performing cardiac interventions and open-heart procedures.
Solanki said Trauma Centre has four Zimbabwean specialists performing cardiac stenting, a procedure used to restore blood flow through blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
The specialists, he said, were trained in South Africa and have returned to practise in Zimbabwe, supported by the equipment and facilities required to perform the procedures.
“We also do open heart surgery, heart valves, aorta, what have you. It is now available in Zimbabwe as well with our own local specialists,” Solanki said.
The growing availability of specialised procedures could also position Zimbabwe as a potential regional medical destination.
Solanki said Trauma Centre has treated patients from countries including Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and parts of Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He said patients from the region could benefit from accessing specialised treatment closer to home rather than travelling to destinations such as South Africa, India, Türkiye or Dubai.
“People prefer to go to a competent facility within the African continent,” he said.
The expansion comes as medical tourism remains a reality for many Zimbabweans who travel abroad for procedures perceived to be unavailable locally.
Solanki said the cost of treatment in Zimbabwe is affected by the country’s reliance on imported medical equipment, surgical supplies and consumables, many of which are sourced from South Africa and attract duties and taxes.
However, he argued that the overall cost of treatment could be comparable or lower than travelling abroad once accommodation, transport and follow-up costs are included.
For procedures requiring postoperative monitoring, remaining in Zimbabwe could also make follow-up care easier for patients.
“Also, when you have to go for review after six weeks, will you be flying back all the way to India or Dubai or Turkey? Or would you prefer to be back home with your family and friends around?” Solanki said.
The availability of laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery adds to Zimbabwe’s growing capacity for specialised treatment, although access, affordability and long-term outcomes will remain important considerations as the country expands its advanced surgical services.
For patients living with severe obesity and associated metabolic conditions, the development offers an alternative to travelling abroad for treatment, while potentially strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a provider of specialised healthcare in the region.
