A 10-year-old girl recently underwent a successful reconstructive surgery at the Octavio de la Concepción and de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital in Holguín. The procedure was necessary due to severe burn scars that had caused significant neck contractures, restricting her movement and impacting her daily life.
Dr. Jorge Márquez Camayd, the head of the Plastic Surgery and Burn Unit, informed the Cuban News Agency (ACN) that the complex surgery involved a combination of the Z-plasty technique and a skin autograft. This approach allowed for the restoration of more than six centimeters of neck functionality, which is expected to greatly enhance the girl's social integration.
The operation took place amidst a challenging healthcare environment plagued by resource shortages and a hospital crisis, underscoring the significance of such high-precision surgeries that require a specialized medical team.
Innovative Procedures at Holguín's Pediatric Hospital
In recent months, Holguín's Pediatric Hospital has gained recognition for performing groundbreaking surgeries. In July, an 18-year-old became the first patient to undergo surgery for microtia, a congenital deformity of the outer ear, at this facility. Led by Dr. Márquez Camayd, the procedure used the patient's own rib cartilage to reconstruct the external ear, eliminating the need for travel to Havana, where such specialized treatments were previously centralized.
This achievement was hailed as a medical milestone in eastern Cuba, paving the way for other children and teenagers with similar conditions to receive free treatment without having to leave their province.
Challenges and the Importance of Prevention
The medical team responsible for the girl's surgery emphasized the critical importance of preventing domestic accidents, such as bicycle falls or hot water spills, which frequently result in severe childhood burns. Despite the ongoing decline of Cuba's healthcare system, these surgeries stand out for their clinical and humanitarian value, offering hope to patients and families who would otherwise face lifelong physical and psychological challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Advancements in Cuba
What surgical techniques were used in the girl's neck reconstruction?
The procedure combined Z-plasty and a skin autograft to restore neck functionality.
Why was the microtia surgery significant for Holguín?
It was the first time such a procedure was performed outside Havana, allowing local patients to receive specialized care within their province.
What challenges does the Cuban healthcare system face?
The system is currently struggling with resource shortages and a hospital crisis, impacting the delivery of medical services.