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CASE REPORT
Treatment needs and surgical intervention outcomes in children with oral clefts managed in the region of Geita, Tanzania, East Africa
1
Department of Jaw Orthopaedics, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Surgery Department, Muhimbii National Hospital, Tanzania, East Africa
3
Hospital Director, San Pio Hospital, Tanzania, East Africa
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Corresponding author
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The humanitarian mission carried out in the Geita region of Tanzania revealed the tremendous healthcare needs of the local population, particularly in the treatment of congenital craniofacial anomalies.
Material and Methods:
This is a retrospective study of the medical records from patients operated on during four humanitarian missions to the Geita region of Tanzania, East Africa.
Results:
During four missions, 58 children underwent medical examination. Surgical treatment was performed in 52 patients. Of these, 15 children were operated on for oralfacial cleft (OFC).
Conclusions:
This experience clearly demonstrates that even a single, well-prepared surgical mission can substantially improve the access to specialized care in low-resource settings. Reconstructive surgery not only restores children’s physical function and their health, but also their dignity, allowing them to reintegrate into their family life, pursue education, and develop normally among their peers.
The humanitarian mission carried out in the Geita region of Tanzania revealed the tremendous healthcare needs of the local population, particularly in the treatment of congenital craniofacial anomalies.
Material and Methods:
This is a retrospective study of the medical records from patients operated on during four humanitarian missions to the Geita region of Tanzania, East Africa.
Results:
During four missions, 58 children underwent medical examination. Surgical treatment was performed in 52 patients. Of these, 15 children were operated on for oralfacial cleft (OFC).
Conclusions:
This experience clearly demonstrates that even a single, well-prepared surgical mission can substantially improve the access to specialized care in low-resource settings. Reconstructive surgery not only restores children’s physical function and their health, but also their dignity, allowing them to reintegrate into their family life, pursue education, and develop normally among their peers.
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| eISSN: | 1898-7516 |
| ISSN: | 1898-2395 |
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