Department of Surgery

Overview

The Department of Surgery is one of the cornerstone clinical departments of the institution, dedicated to providing excellent surgical care, advanced training, and impactful research. The department encompasses multiple subspecialties, including General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ENT Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, and Radiology.
The department offers both inpatient and outpatient services, delivers postgraduate training for surgical residents, and actively contributes to the education of medical students, house officers, and other healthcare professionals.

Head of Department

Dr. Aiah Lebbie
Head of Department, Pediatric Surgery Unit
MBChB, FCS (ECSA), FCPS (SL)

Dr Aiah Lebbie is a distinguished pediatric surgeon with extensive experience in clinical practice, academic leadership, and surgical education. Under his leadership, the Department of Surgery continues to strengthen its role as a centre of excellence in surgical training and patient care.

Mission

To deliver high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive surgical services while fostering excellence in education, training, and research.

Vision

To be a leading centre of surgical innovation, education, and patient care in the region, providing specialised services that meet international standards.

Core Functions and Services

The Department provides a wide range of clinical, educational, and research services, including:

• Inpatient and outpatient general surgery
• Orthopaedics and trauma care
• Pediatric surgery
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Urology
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Dentistry
• Radiology and diagnostic imaging
• Resident and postgraduate medical training
• Research and clinical audits

Faculty Key Staff Member

Departmental Units and Their Functions

1. General Surgery Unit

Functions:

• Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surgical services
• Resident, house officer, and medical student training
• Clinical research

Consultants:

• Dr. S.S. Dumbuya
• Dr. A. Dawoh
• Dr. M. Kabba

Weekly Schedule:

• Monday–Friday: Clinical meetings, ward rounds, specialist outpatient clinics, and operating sessions.
• Wednesday: Grand ward rounds & emergency operations.

2. Pediatric Surgery Unit

Functions:

• Specialised surgical care for children
• Academic training and mentorship
• Collaborative research

Consultant:

• Dr. Aiah Lebbie

Partners:

• Sick Pikin Project
• Bethany Kids

3. Orthopaedics and Trauma Unit

Functions:

• Orthopaedic and trauma surgical services
• Training of residents and students
• Research and collaboration with AO Alliance Foundation and SIGN Nail

Consultants:

• Prof. Oluwadiya K.S
• Dr. D.J. Lavaly
• Dr. I. Bundu

4. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit

Functions:

• Management of burns, congenital deformities, and reconstructive surgery
• Training and surgical research

Consultants:

• Dr. Abdulai Jalloh
• Dr. Eric Wongo

Partner:

• Resurge Africa

5. ENT Unit

Functions:

• Diagnosis and management of ear, nose, and throat conditions
• Audiology services
• Training and national ENT coordination

Consultant:

• Dr. Karim Kabineh

Partners:

• China Medical Team
• Bintumani Organization

6. Radiology Unit

Functions:

• Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, SPECT, PET)
• Training and research support for clinical departments

Consultants:

• Dr. Frank M. Kosia
• Dr. Anmarie Jah-Kabba
• Dr Sahr M. Lengor

7. Ophthalmology Unit

Functions:

• Diagnosis and management of eye diseases
• Surgical interventions
• Training and public eye health programs

Consultants:

• Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha
• Dr. Mathew Vandy
• Dr. Mbaimba Idriss

8. Dentistry Unit

Functions:

• General dental care and oral surgery
• Maxillofacial surgery
• Root canal treatments and dentures

Consultants:

• Dr David Idriss Kamara – Principal Dental Officer
• Dr George J. Elba – Dental Surgeon
• Dr Ahmad Alhassan Sheriff – Dental Surgeon

Education and Training

The Department of Surgery is accredited to train residents in various surgical disciplines leading to the Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (SL) and West African College of Surgeons (WACS). Ongoing postgraduate training includes:

• General Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Orthopaedics and Trauma
• Plastic Surgery
• Urology
• ENT
• Ophthalmology
• Dentistry

Research and Academic Activities

• Clinical research across all surgical subspecialties
• Monthly Morbidity and Mortality Conferences
• Ongoing studies in pediatric and trauma surgery
• Collaborative projects with national and international partners

Departmental Achievements

• Commencement of postgraduate medical training programs
• Successful training of multiple residents to the membership level of the West African College of Surgeons
• Expansion of specialised services and interdepartmental collaborations

Challenges

• Shortage of faculty and essential surgical equipment
• Limited training materials and consumables
• Inadequate office and library facilities
• Expired accreditation pending renewal

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