Just back from Sincelejo – and off on another adventure!
Dr. Barbosa was asked by a local nephrologist if he would be willing to come to Clinica San Rafael in Sabenalargo to make dialysis fistulas for several patients who are currently dialysing through subclavian catheters. (These in-dwelling catheters, which are made of plastic, place patients at a much higher risk of infections including systemic infections like sepsis (due to easy access to central blood supply.)
This medscape article gives a nice overview regarding Dialysis Fistulas. (However is mainly focused on maintaining fistulas rather than creating them.)
So off we went to Sabanalargo in the Colombian state of Atlantico. While small, with just 2 operating rooms, Clinica San Rafael was a fine place to operate.
Despite its small size, the clinic had an intensive care unit, a neonatal unit and fluoro for catheterization and endovascular procedures (in operating room #1). The hospital also had a large maternity unit. Looking through the previous operating room procedure log showed that most of the procedures were C – sections and general surgery procedures (like hernia repair.)
One of the nicest aspects of this facility is something that is essentially unheard of in the United States. At the end of the day, Dr. Barbosa was paid in full.
outside Clinica San Rafael
All of the staff were very welcoming despite the fact that it was our first time there. The patients were happy to see us – and the surgeries proceeded at a rapid pace. After receiving discharge instructions and prescriptions for a daily aspirin along with pain medication, all of the patients were discharged home.
with Liliana, circulating nurse
All told, Dr. Barbosa performed 4 Cimino – Brescia fistulas with excellent results. All of the fistulas had an easily palpable thrill at the end of the procedure with no evidence of limb ischemia or other complications. (Cimino – Brescia fistulas utilize the native artery and vein versus PTFE grafts which are not as durable).
The way home was a lengthy process since one of the main roads was closed so we had to back track to Barranquilla to get on the main coastal highway. (I’m sure it was lovely, but it was too dark to know.)
But all-in-all, it was a fun and interesting day.
Colombian Culture & Cuisine 