By Nathania Mills, Territory Manager Spine, LifeHealthcare
As a Territory Manager with LifeHealthcare, I’ve had the privilege of supporting spine surgeries across New Zealand for the past six years. But nothing compares to the experience I had recently in Cambodia - an outreach trip that reminded me of the profound impact our work can have beyond borders.
A Team United by Purpose
I had the honour of representing LifeHealthcare at Phnom Penh Children's Surgical Centre, Cambodia, alongside an exceptional team of New Zealand orthopaedic spine surgeons - Hamish Deverall, Mike Barnes, Kris Dalzell, and Robert Rowan as well as anaesthetists Jason Henwood and Kelly Byrne, registrar Cherelle George, and Vicki Ledergerber.
Over the course of a week, the team performed 13 spine surgeries, numerous clinic consultations, and other orthopaedic procedures. LifeHealthcare contributed implants and instruments for all spine cases, many of which involved complex spinal deformities. These weren’t just operations; they were life-changing interventions for children and families who would otherwise never have access to this level of care.
Clinic Mornings: Courage and Hope
Each day began with clinic, where around five patients were reviewed. Families often travelled long distances, arriving with hope and courage to sit before a room of unfamiliar foreign doctors. For many, this was their only chance to receive treatment.
After reviewing scans and assessments, surgical decisions were made, and we prepared the necessary sets in CSSD. Resources were incredibly limited - only two sterilising machines (with just one operable at a time due to power constraints), minimal instrumentation, and donated consumables.
Operating Against the Odds
Despite these challenges, two operating tables ran side-by-side each day, with two surgeons per table. The cases ranged from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and posterior cervical fusion up to the occiput, to growing rods, extension of prior fusions, and highly complex congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis.
The learning opportunities were immense, but the impact on patients’ lives was even greater. One of the most sobering moments came as we prepared for our 14th case - a young patient with one of the most severe spinal curves we had seen. Tragically, shortly after induction, she developed malignant hyperthermia - a rare and life-threatening anaesthetic emergency. Thanks to the swift action of our NZ anaesthetists, her life was saved. While we were relieved, there was a strong sense of unfinished business, as this surgery had represented her one opportunity for treatment.
Ratha’s Story: A Symbol of Hope
Among the many children we met, Ratha’s story stands out. At just four years old, he struggled to breathe and couldn’t walk until nearly three due to a congenitally deformed spine. His parents discovered the Children’s Surgical Centre through social media and sought help. Our voluntary spine team brought expertise and compassion to provide care that was otherwise unavailable in Cambodia.
Children like Ratha, suffering from severe scoliosis, congenital deformities, or spinal injuries, received not only surgical treatment but also renewed hope. The team’s visit also strengthened local capacity through training and knowledge sharing with Cambodian surgeons and nurses.
The Power of Partnership
A significant amount of implants including 148 spine screws were generously donated through LifeHealthcare and Spineart sponsorship. This generosity directly enabled these life-altering procedures, and for that, I am immensely proud and grateful.
This experience was both humbling and inspiring. A powerful reminder of the global need for access to specialised surgical care and the role our company can play in transforming lives. Phnom Penh Children’s Hospital, its staff, and its patients now hold a very special place in my heart.
Learn More and Get Involved
If you’d like to support families seeking care for their children, visit: https://csc.org/
