UGMC performs first coronary artery bypass surgery in Ghana

The Heart Centre at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has successfully performed the country’s first coronary artery bypass surgery, a surgery done on a beating heart.

Coronary artery bypass surgery is a very complex heart procedure that involves redirecting the blood around the blocked or narrow parts to make sure the heart gets the blood it needs.

In a statement by the hospital, a 70-year-old retired teacher and a 67-year-old businesswoman were two patients among six others who underwent complex surgical procedures at the hospital.

The groundbreaking procedure was published in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the hospital on November 17, 2023, marking a historic moment in Ghana's healthcare landscape.

The skilled medical team at UGMC who performed the surgery are; Prof. Enoch Akowuah, Dr. Baffoe Gyan, Dr. Gordon Offei-Larbi, Prof. Andrew Owens and Dr. Ernest Ofosu Appiah was the anesthetic present.

Below is the full statement by the UGMC:

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