Ouagadougou: The Bogodogo University Hospital Center (CHU-B) launched phacoemulsification (Phaco-E) on Monday, a modern cataract surgery technique designed to improve patient care and strengthen the provision of ophthalmological care in Burkina Faso, where approximately 10,000 cataract operations are performed each year, including 500 at CHU-B. The launch ceremony was held in the ophthalmology and visual exploration department of the CHU-B, in the presence of the establishment's managers and healthcare professionals.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the head of the ophthalmology and visual exploration department, Associate Professor Windinmangr Pierre Djiguimd, stated that phacoemulsification constitutes a "major technological turning point" for the CHU-B and will allow 10,000 cataract operations per year to be carried out in Burkina Faso, including 500 at the CHU-B. This technique involves fragmenting and aspirating the opaque lens using ultrasound, before replacing it with an artificial lens through a micro-incision of 2 to 3 millimeters.
"Phacoemulsification is a revolutionary technique in cataract surgery," explained Professor Djiguimd, noting that it allows for faster visual recovery and a less restrictive convalescence than some conventional techniques. The specialist also pointed out that cataracts remain the leading cause of preventable blindness and that the introduction of phacoemulsification at CHU-B should pave the way for the development of vitreoretinal surgery. This surgery will eventually allow for the routine treatment of retinal detachments, which are presented as the third most common reason for requesting medical evacuation in the country.
'The Bogodogo University Hospital has taken a first step not only to improve ophthalmological care but also to pave the way for other types of surgery,' said the head of the department. For his part, the director general of the CHU-B, Seydou Nombr, welcomed the launch of this activity, which he considers an important step in the development of the institution. "The implementation of this modern technique demonstrates the CHU-B's constant commitment to improving the quality of its healthcare services," he stated.
The CEO explained that the launch of phacoemulsification is part of the implementation of the CHU-B hospital establishment project covering the period 2026-2030 and contributes to the vision of the authorities aimed at strengthening health sovereignty. He congratulated the teams in the ophthalmology and visual examination department for their commitment and urged them to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the equipment. Seydou Nombr also indicated that the CHU-B intends to continue strengthening its technical platform, developing new skills and diversifying its healthcare services. He hoped that phacoemulsification would allow more patients to regain better vision and, consequently, a better quality of life.