Surgery and Healing in the Developing World - Dartmouth-Hitchcock

Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Developing Countries
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There is much more to be done. There are still several thousands of children in
need of reconstructive surgery for such deformities as cleft lip and palate, burn scars,
and club feet. We here at Operation Smile want to ensure that these children get the
help they need. If we can continue to help these children, we strengthen their families
and communities. By educating and training the medical professionals, we enhance
and strengthen the support of the medical systems within their countries.
In-Country Approach
To fulfill the continuing need of medical treatment for children living with deformities,
a system of identifying and evaluating potential mission sites was formed.
Once the need has been determined, a team of approximately 40 volunteer medical
professionals and staff are sent to a mission site. Patients with the most urgent problems
are scheduled first, creating a schedule that typically allows for the treatment of
approximately 150 patients. Following surgery, the patients receive close follow-up
treatment and therapy tailored to their individual needs.
During the mission, Operation Smile trains in-country medical professionals in
reconstructive care, enabling local medical professionals to carry on the work of
Operation Smile. This cycle of education, in addition to the annual missions, brings
self-sufficiency and availability of care to medical communities families and governments
alike.
Often, the countries we visit do not have the appropriate means to treat severe
facial deformities. Hence, our World Care program was created as a supplement to
the medical missions. The objective of this program is to bring these patients to the
United States where they can receive the benefits of our advanced surgical procedures
and medical facilities.
Many American children are also born with cleft lips and palates. In addition to
providing reconstructive surgery, Operation Smile’s domestic programs offer treatment
for dental problems, facial deformities, scars, burns and severe birthmarks.
Currently, we have 29 chapters in the United States. These chapters are vital to
our continued growth, as they raise funds, recruit volunteers and raise public awareness
in support of medical missions. Operation Smile’s vision has spread across the
world – more than 20,000 volunteers offer their time, knowledge and skills.
In concert with the chapters, Operation Smile’s Youth Program demonstrates
the ability of youth around the world to put their minds and hearts together to
accomplish wonderful things. This program provides students, through first-hand
experience, the opportunity to learn about the true spirit of volunteerism. Students
in “Happy Clubs” across the United States have worked with their local chapters to
raise awareness and funds for medical missions.
Operation Smile steadfastly believes in team spirit and effort. The accomplishments
of Operation Smile would not be possible without the cooperative efforts of
our dedicated volunteers, donors and staff.
Medical Surgical Missions
Despite the efforts of medical and other health care professionals throughout
most of the developing nations, there is a profound need for specialized medical and
reconstructive surgical care for indigent children and their families. Children living
with facial and functional deformities also suffer a barrage of other medical complications
such as malnourishment, hearing loss, infection and other diseases. The backlog
of children living with deformities and the lack of trained specialists in
reconstructive surgery overwhelms the health care systems in these countries.
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