Surgery team changes Honduran lives - Brief Article

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- Nine airmen recently practiced their skills and performed life-changing plastic surgery for underprivileged Honduran families.

The team, directed by U.S. Southern Command, set up operations in a public hospital in Comayagua. Members brought medical supplies from the team's home at Lackland Air Force Base's Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. The nine-person team was made up of military members from across Texas.

Staying at nearby Soto Cano Air Base, the team was supported by translators and base physicians who had advertised the team's arrival. Surgeons and anesthesiologists screened more than 80 patients and selected 30 for surgery.

Six of the nine medical staff had never deployed on a humanitarian mission. The team set up operations in an area with harsh conditions, including the tropical heat, unexpected power outages, bottled water and unsanitary conditions. Members performed surgery for severe burn injuries and congenital deformities.

After her first day of surgery, Maj. (Dr.) Lisa Desvigne said, "You really feel good about it because you know if it weren't for us, these people would never get the surgeries they so badly need."

A 3-year-old boy, Carlos Motino, had been badly burned as an infant when fly netting, over his crib, caught fire and fell on him at five months old. One arm was severely burned, and limited movement of his arm.

The team's surgery "is the best thing that could happen in my life," said his mother, Maria. "He needs the movement of his arm."

Lt. Col. (Dr.) Greg Chandler, team chief and plastic surgeon, said many of those who deployed found the humanitarian missions "life-changing" events for themselves and their patients. He said most had never seen the poverty found in some of the Central and South American countries. Army and Air Force teams have been coming here for 17 years, maintaining records on their patients and performing follow-up surgeries when needed.

"They come back with a greater appreciation for the quality of life that most Americans take for granted," he said.

The Air Force also benefits from these deployments. One major benefit is the training for plastic surgery residents who take part in a large number of surgeries in a short period of time.

COPYRIGHT 2000 U.S. Air Force, Air Force News Agency
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group