We will be operating and treating an underserved population focused on breast reconstruction, lower extremity reconstruction, lymphedema, and nerve reconstruction. We will also be collaborating with local plastic surgeons to advance training, research, and share ideas.
Cancer and trauma patients in Hue, Vietnam. In the US, patients have the opportunity to get reconstruction after cancer resection surgeries to return form and function which helps them move past their cancer diagnoses. However, in developing countries, many people are unable to get reconstruction and have to look at their deformed body as a daily reminder of their disease. Our project will benefit these patients to move forward.
I would like to go back to Hue, Vietnam annually to continue our educational exchange and help train local plastic surgeons continue the work of oncologic and trauma reconstruction. I will bring my learnings back to my home institution to share.
On our trip to Hue, Vietnam we focused on breast and extremity reconstruction. We offered autologous breast reconstruction for patients who had mastectomies for breast cancer. We also completed reconstruction with revision surgery for patients who had undergone autologous or implant reconstruction previously. We also helped a patient who had sustained an electrical burn injury to his hand by performing a free flap for soft tissue coverage.
