Surgeon's Insight: Dr. Fernando Lisboa Jr. on Technology and Surgical Challenges
At Dovideq Medical, we understand the critical role that advanced medical technology plays in enhancing surgical outcomes and patient care. While our innovative LightControl system is designed to ensure the highest quality of rigid endoscopes, it's essential to recognize the daily challenges and triumphs of the surgeons who rely on these tools.
Today, we share insights from Dr. Fernando Lisboa Jr., a distinguished digestive surgeon from Natal, Brazil, to highlight the importance of reliable medical equipment from a surgeon's perspective.
Meet Dr. Fernando Lisboa Jr.
Dr. Fernando Lisboa Jr. has been a dedicated digestive surgeon since 2008, specializing in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. After completing a fellowship in liver transplantation in São Paulo, Dr. Lisboa Jr. returned to his hometown of Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte. He now works at the University Hospital in Natal and has worked in several other hospitals and health companies throughout his career.
His journey into surgery was inspired by his father, who was also a surgeon. Growing up in a medical environment that nurtured curiosity and compassion, Dr. Lisboa Jr. now channels that same energy into delivering top-quality care to his patients and mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.
A Surgeon's Weekly Routine
Dr. Lisboa Jr’s week is a balanced mix of surgery, consultation, and education. He usually spends three days in the operating room, tackling a mix of both complex and routine procedures—ranging from laparoscopies to other challenging surgeries. On the other days, you’ll find him in patient consultations or teaching young doctors in the hospital’s academic program.
Whether he’s operating, listening to patients, or guiding young doctors, his mission remains the same: deliver thoughtful, patient-centered care at every stage.
The Challenges of Surgical Work
Surgery in the HPB field often involves life-threatening conditions such as liver and pancreatic cancers. These procedures demand meticulous planning, technical skill, and—critically—reliable equipment.
One of Dr. Lisboa Jr’s biggest challenges is limited access to cutting-edge technology in Natal. Unlike major medical hubs like São Paulo, smaller cities often lack high-resolution imaging systems and advanced surgical tools that can improve outcomes. A common issue he faces is poor-quality rigid endoscopes, which aren’t always properly tested before use. As Dr. Lisboa Jr. puts it, "We try to do our best with what we have." As a passionate photographer, Dr. Lisboa Jr. draws a clear parallel:
“If your camera lens is scratched or dirty, your photo will never turn out right. It’s the same with rigid endoscopes. If there’s something wrong with the lens, or if there are particles or color accuracy issues, the entire image is compromised—and that can cause surgery delays and make diagnosis more difficult.”
Did you know that 80% of endoscope defects go unnoticed by surgeons? —learn more in our clinical study: Scientific Research shows:
Even a surgeon can’t see if an endoscope is bad
A Memorable Case
One of Dr. Lisboa Jr’s most unforgettable and also recent cases involved a patient with a rare congenital condition called a choledochal cyst. After two failed surgeries elsewhere, the patient came to Dr. Lisboa Jr. suffering from severe infections and complications.
In a complex 10-hour surgery, he removed part of the liver and reconstructed the biliary tract. The patient recovered successfully, and the case remains a powerful example of how expertise and perseverance can turn even the most difficult situations around.
Why Technology Matters
For Dr. Lisboa Jr., access to reliable equipment isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. He sees tremendous potential in innovations like robotic-assisted surgery and enhanced imaging, both of which can increase precision and improve patient outcomes. However, without consistent access to such tools, surgeons must often adapt and make do.
That’s where tools like LightControl come in.
How Dovideq's LightControl Supports Surgeons
Our LightControl helps ensure that rigid endoscopes are thoroughly tested before entering the operating room, eliminating the risk of unexpected equipment failure, image quality issues, and delays. It’s a practical solution with a powerful impact—ensuring consistently high quality, even in environments where equipment standards can fluctuate from day to day.
By giving surgeons greater confidence in their tools, we’re helping improve surgical outcomes and, ultimately, supporting better patient care.
Looking to the future
Dr. Fernando Lisboa Jr's story is a testament to the skill, passion, and adaptability of surgeons working in all corners of the world. It also highlights the critical role that reliable, high-quality equipment plays in their ability to deliver the best possible care.
At Dovideq Medical, we’re proud to support medical professionals like Dr. Lisboa Jr, and we remain committed to developing tools that make a difference.
Better tools. Better care. Better outcomes. That’s what Dovideq is all about.
Curious how LightControl can improve your surgical outcomes? Book a demo to find out more! 👇
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