EsSalud Hospital in Trujillo, Peru, Pioneers Stroke Prevention Surgery
In a landmark achievement for healthcare in northern Peru, doctors at the Víctor Lazarte Echegaray Hospital, part of the Social Health Security (EsSalud) system, have successfully performed a carotid endarterectomy for the first time in the La Libertad region. The complex surgery, conducted on an 80-year-old patient, effectively prevented a potentially debilitating stroke.
Understanding Carotid Endarterectomy
The patient presented with symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – weakness on one side of the body and dizziness – which are warning signs of an impending stroke. Diagnostic tests revealed a severe blockage in the left carotid artery, a major blood vessel supplying the brain, caused by the buildup of fatty deposits, and cholesterol.
According to Dr. Orlando Pablo Ramírez Carranza, a chest and cardiovascular surgeon at the hospital, the carotid endarterectomy involves surgically opening the carotid artery in the neck to remove the obstructing plaque. This restores blood flow to the brain and significantly reduces the risk of a permanent stroke.1
Successful Intervention and Patient Recovery
The surgery was performed by a specialized medical team adhering to stringent safety protocols. The patient, who had previously undergone a surgical procedure at the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, is recovering well, exhibiting full alertness and mobility.
“I am very grateful to the doctors and all the staff at EsSalud for giving me a new chance at life. Today I can walk again and be with my family,” the patient expressed following his recovery.1
EsSalud’s Commitment to Advanced Care
Dr. Claudia Holguín Armas, manager of the EsSalud La Libertad Assistance Network, emphasized the importance of this type of intervention in preventing severe disabilities and saving lives. She affirmed that this achievement underscores EsSalud’s dedication to providing timely and highly complex medical care to its insured population.1
Hospital Víctor Lazarte: A Regional Healthcare Hub
The Víctor Lazarte Echegaray Hospital is a key medical facility in the La Libertad region, providing a range of diagnostic and treatment services. The hospital performs an average of 1,500 imaging diagnostics monthly, utilizing a 64-slice 3D multidetector CT scanner.2 This advanced equipment allows patients to receive care locally, eliminating the necessitate for travel to Lima.
Recent modernization efforts at the hospital, completed in August 2025, included renovations to the maternity, surgery, and emergency departments, as well as improvements to patient waiting areas.3
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