Our Visit to the Operating Room to Observe a Four Hour Surgery. Warning! Not for the squeamish!!

 Ready in our scrubs and waiting to go in

On Wednesday 14th July Andy & I had the opportunity to go into Operating Room #4 by invitation of Consultant Max Fax Surgeon Dr. Leo Cheng (from St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London) to observe a complex 4 hour surgery.  The Patient who we will call Annie had a tumor the size of a large grapefruit growing around her jaw.  From what we were told, the tumor had been growing for several years and was growing deeper into the back of the jaw and significantly obstructing the airway.  Dr. Cheng explained that within just a few months Annie would suffocate without the life saving surgery offered by Mercy Ships.

Here is Annie prepped and ready for the surgery to begin

After carefully examining the X-Ray, Dr Leo skillfully began the painstaking procedure of removing the tumor.  Because the tumor had grown deep into the jaw bone the entire jaw with the tumor embedded was removed.

An artificial jaw made from titanium was then fitted and screwed into position and the tongue and mouth was sewn back together around the plate.  It was amazing to see!

Great care was taken by Dr. Leo to ensure the size and shape of the titanium jaw matched the dimensions and shape of Annies face.

Dr Leo and trainee surgeon Dr. James from Uganda stitch and close up.  Annies new face is slowly taking shape.

 Annie will be invited back to the ship when the Africa Mercy is in Sierra Leone for bone grafts from her hip to the new titanium jaw.  The bone will grow around the new jaw and eventually Annie could potentially have dentures fitted to her new jaw.
Another life transformed.  It's wonderful to witness first hand and to share this experience together of seeing how Mercy Ships staff use their God given skills in service to the poor.  Not only has Annie's physical appearance been transformed, her whole life has been transformed.  She can go back to her village, no longer an outcast.  She can hold her head up high and with dignity resume her role  in her community.