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A 10-year-old girl recently underwent reconstructive surgery at the Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital in Holguín after suffering serious aftereffects from burns that had caused severe retraction in her neck, limiting her movements and affecting her daily life.
Dr. Jorge Márquez Camayd, head of the Plastic Surgery and Burn Treatment department, explained to the Cuban News Agency (ACN) that the procedure combined a technique known as Z-plasty along with a skin autograft, which allowed for an increase of more than six centimeters in functionality in the area. The specialist emphasized that this advancement will have a direct impact on the social reintegration of the minor.
The operation took place against a backdrop of a healthcare system marked by a lack of resources and a hospital crisis, highlighting the significance of such interventions, which require high precision and a specialized medical team.
Other pioneering surgeries in Holguín
The Holguín Pediatric Hospital has gained notoriety in recent months for performing unprecedented surgeries. Last July, an 18-year-old became the first patient there to undergo surgery for microtia, a congenital malformation that affects the external ear.
The intervention, also led by Márquez Camayd, used the patient’s own costal cartilage to reconstruct the outer ear, avoiding the need for transportation to Havana, where such specialized treatments had previously been concentrated.
That achievement was regarded as a medical milestone in eastern Cuba and opened the possibility for other children and adolescents with this condition to access the procedure free of charge and without having to leave their province.
Prevention and challenges
The medical team that treated the 10-year-old girl also emphasized the need to strengthen the prevention of household accidents, such as bicycle falls or hot water spills, which are common causes of severe burns in childhood.
Despite the deterioration of the healthcare system in Cuba, these operations stand out for their human and clinical value, as they provide hope to patients and families who would otherwise be condemned to live with physical and psychological limitations for life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reconstructive Surgeries in Cuba
How was the reconstructive surgery performed on the 10-year-old girl in Holguín?
The surgery was performed at the Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Pediatric Hospital in Holguín. The girl suffered severe burns that resulted in a significant retraction in her neck. The operation combined the Z-plasty technique with a skin graft, achieving an improvement of more than six centimeters in the functionality of the girl's neck.
What challenges do Cuban hospitals face in performing complex surgeries?
Cuban hospitals are facing a significant lack of resources and a crisis in the healthcare system. The shortage of medical supplies, technological obsolescence, and the overload of staff are ongoing challenges that complicate the performance of complex surgeries, affecting the quality of care and increasing waiting times for patients.
Why is the decentralization of medical services important in Cuba?
Decentralization allows patients to access specialized medical care without having to travel to Havana. This not only reduces costs and waiting times but also democratizes access to high-complexity medical services in other provinces, as demonstrated by the microtia surgery performed in Holguín.
What are the main causes of burns in children in Cuba?
Burns in children in Cuba are often caused by domestic accidents such as bicycle falls and hot water spills. The medical team that performed surgery on the 10-year-old girl emphasized the need to reinforce the prevention of these accidents to avoid serious consequences.
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