Endoscopic Equipment Donation a Boost for Surgical Training at UKZN

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The multidisciplinary surgical skills’ laboratory at the School of Clinical Medicine at UKZN has received a significant boost to its training capabilities, with a generous donation of cutting-edge endoscopic surgery equipment from KARL STORZ.

Facilitated by the UKZN Foundation, the donation, valued at about R4 million, is set to revolutionise the training of future surgeons at the Institution.

KARL STORZ, a global leader in endoscopic equipment and surgical instrumentation, has a long-standing commitment to advancing Medical education and enhancing surgical skills. This latest donation aligns with their ongoing efforts to support academic institutions and training hospitals across South Africa.

The donation to UKZN was motivated by the desire to contribute to the improvement of medical education and patient care.

‘When Dr Andile Sibiya approached us about supporting the new skills lab at UKZN, it was a natural decision for us to contribute to this vital initiative,’ said Ms Ann Law, Tender and Projects Manager at KARL STORZ. ‘We share a common goal with UKZN - to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care through well-trained, skilled surgeons.’

The donated equipment includes four KARL STORZ Endoscopic Camera systems, complete with telescopes and instruments tailored for various types of endoscopic surgery.

These full HD camera systems are designed to be versatile and can connect to a wide range of endoscopes, making them ideal for multidisciplinary training. The equipment will be used across high-volume surgical disciplines such as general surgery, gynaecology and ENT, providing both students and staff with the tools they need to master minimally invasive surgery techniques.

‘This donation is a significant leap forward for our training programmes,’ said Sibiya, who played a key role in securing the donation. ‘The camera towers and other instruments will allow our students and staff to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology, ensuring that they are well-equipped to deliver the highest quality care to their patients. It will enhance their hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity, while also shortening the learning curve, enabling them to quickly master complex surgical techniques.’

The equipment is at the forefront of medical technology, offering enhanced image quality and functional versatility. The systems include features such as 50GB of internal storage for recording training sessions, which is invaluable for ongoing review and refinement of surgical techniques. The intuitive design of the equipment, including easy-to-use camera head buttons, ensures that students and staff can focus on developing their skills rather than struggling with complex controls.

‘Our latest innovations, such as 4K imaging and advanced light filtering technology, exemplify our commitment to delivering endoscopic images with exceptional detail and clarity,’ said Law. ‘These tools are crucial in helping surgeons navigate complex procedures with greater ease.’

KARL STORZ’s support for UKZN extends beyond this donation as the company is actively involved in workshops and training sessions at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, and there are plans for continued collaboration. KARL STORZ supports several annual basic surgical skills workshops and is open to future requests for additional equipment as needed.

‘We see this donation not just as support, but as an investment in the future of healthcare,’ said Law. ‘By helping to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals, we’re contributing to the long-term advancement of medical practice and patient care.’

The UKZN Foundation, also instrumental in facilitating this donation, continues to play a pivotal role in building strong partnerships that drive initiatives to empower students and sustain UKZN’s leadership in Higher Education. This latest collaboration with KARL STORZ is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the educational experience for UKZN’s Medical students and staff.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photographs: Vangie Lewis