Millions of children in developing countries suffer with cleft lips and palates, affecting their ability to eat and develop proper speech. This particular birth defect results from a combination of genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Consequently, a demand for trained plastic surgeons to manage these complex problems exists in the developing nations like Asia and Latin America.
On April 17, medical personnel from the United States embarked on a week-long surgical mission trip to Guatemala City, Guatemala. Baylor College Medicine plastic surgeon and chair of the Surgical Volunteers International, Larry Hollier, Jr. M.D., lead a team of two plastic surgeons, two anesthesiologists, a pediatrician, a BCM physician assistant, a nurse anesthetist, a BCM medical student, and several nurses to help underserved children.
Pre-operative and post-operative photos of a 3-month-old girl with a cleft lip and palate.
The trip was sponsored by Surgical Volunteers International in partnership with The Smile Train, a charity organization focused on the repair of cleft lips and palates. Children of all ages were treated, including a 12-year-old boy with both an unrepaired cleft lip and palate. Members of this team also treated children with other plastic surgical needs, including the removal of lumps and bumps, revision of burn scars, and even a 14-year-old girl with a facial nerve palsy. By the end of a busy week, nearly 50 patients underwent operations.
The volunteers of SVI will continue to provide this life-altering gift to more of the world’s less-fortunate children, and are planning similar trips to Egypt, Mexico, Haiti, and Columbia as well as a return trip to Guatemala in the next year.
Baylor College of Medicine physician assistant, Kristina Marsack, and Dr. Larry Hollier, Jr. performing
a cleft lip repair.
Texas Children's Hospital pediatrician Steve Cook comforts a patient in the recovery room as her nurse administers pain relieving medication.
Post-operative photo of a 2-year-old boy after
a primary cleft lip repair.
A 12-year-old boy anxiously anticipating
his first cleft lip surgery.
