Cao Lanh, Vietnam 2006 Surgical Trip

Anesthesiologists Teaming in OR

Anesthesiologists Teaming in OR
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Nurse anesthetist Phi teamed up with Interplast anesthesiologists for almost every case. Here she works with Dr. Will Stubber of Dartmouth.

Sleeping with Geckos

Sleeping with Geckos
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Sleeping with geckos. Geckos are in abundance at the Hoa Binh Hotel. In the lobby and in our rooms. I never thought I would be okay with sleeping with lizards, but I guess they beat the mosquitos they eat.

Bill Nolan Examining Unhappy Little Tu Van

  Bill Nolan Examining Tu Van 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Two-year old Tu Van was not pleased to see us and was always screaming. Interplast volunteer Dr. Bill Nolan, plastic surgeon from Bedford, New York, examines his burn contractures. The poor guy has been severely burned for most of his life. Under the care of a 9-year sibling while his parents worked in the fields, Tu Van, at four months of age, grabbed an oil lamp, spilling kerosene on himself and starting a fire, which caused severe burns on his face arm and torso.

A Good Guy And A Great Love Story

  Nhan Thi Caring For His Wife 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Nhan Thi’s husband devotedly cared for her before and after her operation. He told us that 30 years ago his mother had asked him not to marry her because of her cleft. However, he did not care and loved her anyway. He continued telling us that they are very happy together and have three beautiful daughters. Everyone in the ward noticed and admired his love and devotion. What a good guy and a great love story.

Stonecutter Cleft Patient Nhan Thi

  Stonecutter Cleft Patient Nhan Thi 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Nhan Thi has lived with her cleft lip for 45 years. Unlike many with clefts, Nhan Thi has not been stigmatized by her villagers; but when she heard that Interplast would be in Cao Lanh, she decided she wanted her cleft repaired. Nhan Thi and her husband of nearly 30 years travelled for a full day by bus. In previous years, Nhan Thi had been too poor to even consider the travel, even though the surgery would be free of charge. They both are stonecutters, very difficult manual labor with very little pay, in An Giang province.

Tu Van Will Have The Ability To Close His Mouth

  Tu Van After Surgery 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

While still heavily bandaged, it is hard to imagine—but within a couple of weeks, Tu Van will have the ability to close his mouth and move freely---really for the first time in his life.

Tu Van

  Tu Van 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

When burns are not treated properly at the time of injury, they cause burn contractures, which can make a child disabled and limited in movement. Tu Van cannot use one of his hands, cannot raise his arm and is not able to close his mouth. Interplast surgeons will release his scars tomorrow.

Education and Empowerment

  Primary Surgeon Dr. Hien 
  Originally uploaded by interplast.

Surgeon Dong Thap’s Dr. Hien was the first assist or the primary surgeon; an Interplast plastic surgeon was at the table in case he was needed, but she did several cleft lips and palates. It was a great opportunity to see Interplast education and empowerment mission in action.

Waterboy Leaves the Hospital

Waterboy
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Waterboy, as we affectionately called the toddler who kept PACU busy filling his cup, left this morning with his lip repair. With his cleft lip repaired this early in life, we certainly hope he will live a normal, happy life---and continue to keep others laughing.

Sweet Smile, Kind Nature

Duc After Surgery
Originally uploaded by interplast.

Duc Hung sweet smile is matched by his kind nature. This morning in the recovery ward, I found him talking and playing with one of the toddler patients, trying to make the little one happy. Here is Duc Hung the morning after his surgery.