LBJ orthopedic department successfully completes 1st total hip replacement surgery

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The LBJ Tropical Medical Center (LBJTMC) recently completed its first-ever total hip replacement surgery and provided crucial hands-on training for the physicians within the Orthopedic Department.

The operation, which marked a pivotal moment for the medical center, was conducted under the oversight of Dr. Robert Blotter, with support from the members of the Orthopedic Department, including Drs. Sitiveni Traill, “Mike” Kislitcyn, and Rubie Espinosa.

Dr. Blotter, a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, lauded the inclusion of local total hip replacement surgeries in the LBJ Orthopedic Services suite. He emphasized the profound impact of extending care accessibility to individuals on the island grappling with orthopedic issues but facing limitations in seeking treatment overseas.

Dr. Akapusi Ledua, the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, underscored the magnitude of this accomplishment. “We commend Dr. Blotter's local execution of the surgery, which provided crucial hands-on training for the physicians within the Orthopedic Department and aligned with the hospital's strategic objective of offering advanced surgical procedures locally, thus eliminating the need to send patients abroad for such interventions,” said Dr Ledua.

“This not only offered vital practical experience for the medical professionals in the Orthopedic Department but also closely adhered to the hospital's strategic goal of providing cutting-edge surgical treatments within the community.

“This approach eliminates the necessity of sending patients overseas for such medical procedures, thus benefitting both patients and the local healthcare system,” Dr Ledua said.

Dr. Blotter praised the collaborative efforts of the entire Orthopedic Department, acknowledging their pivotal role in ensuring the success of the operation.

“The collective contributions of the Orthopedic Department, complemented by the unwavering assistance provided by the operating room (OR) staff, including surgical nurses and additional personnel, were instrumental in orchestrating the safe and proficient execution of these pioneering surgeries,” Dr Blotter said.

He appeared confident in the department's capacity to sustain this level of service in the foreseeable future, through commitment to delivering impactful medical interventions. Dr Blotter acknowledged the entire Orthopedic Department, emphasizing that the successful operation resulted from a collaborative effort.

"It was a team effort involving Drs. Trails, Mik Kisliticyn, and Espinosa. They all played a vital part in the surgeries in all three cases.

“They should be able to continue providing this service long after I am gone. We have worked diligently to ensure access to the equipment for future hip replacements.

“The operating room staff, including surgical nurses and other personnel, were exceptional and provided the quality assistance we needed to carry out the surgeries safely and accurately.

“They are a great team that gives us the confidence to handle challenging surgeries," Dr Blotter said.