Our Summary
This research paper discusses the importance of careful planning when going on volunteer medical missions to perform oral and maxillofacial surgeries, which are surgeries focused on the face, mouth, and jaw. The most common surgeries performed are repairs of cleft lips and palates. Despite these missions often taking place in areas with limited resources, the paper emphasizes that these surgeries can still be performed safely as long as there is proper organization, including coordination with local medical institutions, and adequate preparation in terms of personnel, equipment, and supplies.
FAQs
- What are the most common oral and maxillofacial surgeries performed during volunteer surgical missions?
- What is required for successful anesthesia administration for oral and maxillofacial procedures during volunteer surgical missions?
- Can cleft lip and palate repair surgeries be safely performed in low-resource environments?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might advise a patient undergoing craniofacial surgery to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. They may also recommend post-operative care guidelines such as keeping the surgical site clean and following a specific diet to aid in healing. Additionally, the doctor may suggest attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Suitable For
Patients who may be recommended for craniofacial surgery typically include those with congenital craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, hemifacial microsomia, and other craniofacial deformities. These surgeries are often performed in pediatric patients, although adults with craniofacial anomalies may also benefit from surgical intervention. Patients recommended for craniofacial surgery may experience functional issues such as difficulty breathing, eating, or speaking, as well as aesthetic concerns related to facial symmetry and appearance. Overall, patients recommended for craniofacial surgery are those who may benefit from surgical correction to improve both functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Timeline
Before craniofacial surgery:
- Patient is evaluated by a team of specialists including a plastic surgeon, oral surgeon, orthodontist, and speech therapist
- Pre-operative tests and assessments are performed to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
- Patient and family are educated on the surgery, risks, and expected outcomes
- Surgical plan is developed based on the patient’s specific needs and goals
After craniofacial surgery:
- Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for signs of complications
- Pain management and wound care are provided to ensure a comfortable recovery
- Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns
- Long-term therapy and support may be needed to help the patient adjust to any changes in appearance or function.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery?
- How long will the recovery process be and what can I expect during this time?
- How experienced are you in performing craniofacial surgeries?
- What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition?
- Will I need any additional follow-up surgeries or treatments after the initial procedure?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
- What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions?
- Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I need to follow?
- How long will the surgery take and how soon can I expect to see results?
- How can I best prepare for the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?
Reference
Authors: Greenidge E, Krieves M, Solorzano R. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;32(3):427-436. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2020.04.004. Epub 2020 Jun 2. PMID: 32507355