Vascular and Transplant Surgery

What is vascular Surgery?

It is the discipline of surgery in which the surgeries of the arteries and veins of the body are done, except of the heart, great vessels of the chest and brain. A surgeon who is specialized in in this discipline is called a vascular surgeon.

What is Transplant Surgery?

The sub speciality of surgery in which the transplantation of organs of the human body done. Main body organs that are transplanted in this speciality are kidney and liver. A surgeon who is specialized in this field is called a transplant surgeon.

What are the surgeries done in a vascular and transplant unit?

1. Common Vascular surgeries

Arterial -

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm  repair- replacement of a ballooned segment with an artificial graft to prevent rupture.

• Arterial bypass using autogenous vein or artificial conduits to prevent amputation due to gangrene..

• Arterial repairs- Due to accidental cuts  injuries, the injured Arteries repaired & saved the limb and the life.

• Arterial embolectomy- removal of blood clots from within the artery.

• Arterial endarterectomy  corrective surgery in blocked or narrowed arteries. (eg. Carotid endarterectomy to prevent strokes)

  Venous -

• Varicose vein surgery.

• Laser ablation of varicose veins.

  Other surgeries -

• Arterio- venous fistula(AVF)- construction to enable dialysis in kidney patients.

• Arterio-venous malformation resection.

• Excision of Cervical rib.

2. Transplant surgeries

• Kidney transplantation.

• Liver transplantation.

History of the Vascular and Transplant department of NHSL

The vascular and transplant surgical department of NHSL under the auspices of the Ministry of Health  was first initiated in February 2004, with the appointment of Dr. SD Rajamantri, the first surgeon to be trained and certified in the specialty by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo.  

Prior to this, Vascular surgical procedures in the NHSL, then the General Hospital of Colombo, were pioneered by the University Surgical unit under the leadership of Prof. A.H. Sheriffdeen, since the early 1980s.

Today, the services are being carried out by 3 separate and independent units, including the University unit, Headed by separate Consultants.
The first dedicated Vascular Operating Theatre was commissioned in January 2005.

The first ward facility, Ward 64, was acquired in 2009, renovated and commissioned on the 7th February 2010.

This ward has 20 beds for male patients and 12 for female, in addition to a HDU facility, which is yet to be commissioned.

Currently ward 64A is headed by Dr. SD Rajamantri, while ward 64B is headed by Dr. WRD Fonseka.

How to get the service of  Vascular and Transplant unit of NHSL: ( how to refer )

For Vascular operations, referrals are accepted directly from any Consultant Surgeon in the Department of Health.

Clinic days,

Unit 1. Dr. SD Rajamantri.  Thursdays 8.00 am to 12.00 noon. Room 34 OPD.

Unit 2. Dr. WRD Fonseka. Fridays 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Room 44 OPD.

University Surgical unit. Tuesdays 8.00am to 12.00noon Room 44 OPD.

Referrals from the OPD are accepted through the VS – OPD (Room 18).

Emergency admissions are accepted through the Casualty Surgical Department and the Accident Service.

Advanced information regarding an incoming emergency is very welcome. An on call doctor is available round the clock and contactable through the Hospital General line 2691111/1959