[Trending News] Diego González Rivas, the surgeon who has revolutionized thoracic surgery in the world

Dr. Diego González Rivas, a Spanish thoracic surgeon and creator of the minimally invasive videoasist thoracic surgery technique, has marked a before and after in medicine. This Wednesday has visited Herrera's study in Cope, where he has shared his experience, his advances and his tireless work in some of the most difficult conditions on the planet.

“Thoracic surgery is one of the most painful of all, especially in the postoperative period,” the doctor explained to Alberto Herrera. Until recently, these types of procedures required large incisions and costal separators, which caused intense pain and prolonged recovery. However, in 2010, González Rivas performed the first lung cancer surgery in the world with a single incision of just four centimeters, making the patient receive the discharge in just two days. “This was a real revolution,” he added.

The Galician surgeon did not settle for this milestone and continued innovating. “With the pandemic, I began to investigate more in the use of robotic arms and performed the first robotic unipportable lobectomy of the world.” Currently, he uses the Robot da Vinci, which has adapted to his thoracic surgeries, and also Shurui technology, which allows to operate with even smaller incisions, only two centimeters.

The scientific community, initially, received its innovations with skepticism. “At first, there were many doubts, but over time we demonstrated that this technique was not only possible, but more effective and less invasive.” González Rivas has brought his advances to hospitals around the world and has operated in extreme conditions, from the Gaza Strip to Sierra Leone. “In Gaza, in 2020, I remember every patient who operated. In those environments, a blackout does not stop surgery, but forces us to adapt.”

His humanitarian vocation has been a constant in his career. In July last year, its foundation made its first mission in Sierra Leone. “When we arrived, the hospital was a patient warehouse in disastrous conditions. The first thing was to establish a minimum of hygiene and organization to operate.” He has also developed the concept of the “operating room”, a vehicle equipped to perform operations in remote places.

The doctor has not only transformed thoracic surgery, but has expanded his field of action to other treatments such as hyperhidrosis, operating patients with excessive sweating by minimally invasive procedures. “It's amazing to see how, in a few hours, someone can get rid of a problem that has affected his life for years.”

Throughout his career, he has traveled thousands of kilometers carrying his knowledge and technique to the most needy places. “Since January 1, I have twice the world,” he says. His tireless work has caught the attention of important figures, including Pope Francis, with whom he agreed on one occasion. “It was a very special encounter, we talked about the importance of medicine in disadvantaged places.”

When asked what he feels when saving lives, the doctor responds with humility: “It is the greatest satisfaction a doctor can have. There is nothing comparable.”

His passion, dedication and commitment to the well -being of patients have made him a world reference of thoracic surgery and an example of how medicine can transform lives.