It's 11 pm. We did 30 cases, last 2 still going. Have a few more in the am, then we pack up. We have a little time tomorrow before we start the long trip home.

Just finishing our last cases. We did 24 today. One very severe burn to the neck for repair; also clefts, hernia etc. We are a little tired but doing well.

Just finishing our last cases. We did 24 today. One very severe burn to the neck for repair; also clefts, hernia etc. We are a little tired but doing well.

February 26

Today was a full, successful day.

We did another 22 surgical cases:  Several burn and scar revisions, some simple cases, cleft lip and palates, and two complex pediatric surgical cases where the child had an abnormality of the GI tract.  The place was definitely bustling!  The nursing students were quite helpful especially in preop and recovery room.  We had chicken soup and batter dipped potatoes for lunch, and rice, veggies, chicken and lentils with spicy sauces for dinner.  Marc kept busy fixing electrical equipment and outlets and doing computer work and being a “runner”.  Liz was in her corner in her operating room keeping an eye on the surgeons, the patients and the rest of the world.

Tomorrow will bring its own challenges!

February 25

Today was our first OR day. We used four OR tables in two rooms and did 22 surgical cases.  Most were cleft lip or palate, but some were revisions of scars and a few general surgical cases.  As usual, we were well fed!  We had wonton soup and chicken sandwiches for lunch and rice with lentils, veggies and chicken for dinner and yummy homemade banana bread!

The Ors are reasonably well equipped compared to some others I have been in with piped in oxygen and suction and a local person who can help fix things and knows how to regulate the oxygen and suction.  CICM has a nursing school, so there are dozens of nursing students around to help with translation and patient care.

We have running water and electricity where we are staying, and they have a little shop where we could buy some souvenirs for home!

Time for bed to prepare for tomorrow.

We did 22 surgical cases today, mostly cleft lip/palate but also some scar revisions and general surgery. Unable to connect to post pictures. Ready for bed!