Solidarity Bridge recently concluded its sixth Oncological Surgery Mission Trip to the Cancer Institute of Eastern Bolivia, Bolivia’s main public cancer hospital. Four of the ten patients treated have advanced pancreatic cancers… The Whipple is described as one of the most complex abdominal surgeries. Surgeons who want to master the Whipple need to participate in as many surgeries as they can alongside more-experienced peers who can mentor them on how to assess and proceed in every unique scenario. 

The women we care for are themselves caregivers—they are mothers, they are daughters, they have jobs that put food on the table. Until this trip, I never fully understood the profound difference that access to minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery can make in allowing a patient to pursue treatment.

Returning to the Chuquisaqueño Cancer Institute this week,  our goal is to leave the hospital team prepared to independently perform laparoscopic hysterectomies going forward.

This is the story of the pandemic as seen from our colleagues at the Cancer Institute of Eastern Bolivia. It is only an example of one hospital, in one city, and yet we hope it invites you into the reality of our partners who are providing care for patients with complex illnesses during this difficult time.

Our first-ever mission trip dedicated solely to cancer surgery begins at the Cancer Institute of Eastern Bolivia.