Solidarity surgeries are those that are performed voluntarily and altruistically, related to plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, in disadvantaged countries, without material and professional means to perform them.
How long has she been performing solidarity surgeries?
Some time ago, the surgeon Dr. Lliró, member of Top Doctors, already performed solidarity surgeries sporadically and punctually. However, for the last three years she has been performing them periodically, with everything very well organized.
Gambia, recipient country for solidarity surgeries
Dr. Lliró performs solidarity surgeries in Gambia. Some time ago she met Xavi Galindo, founder of Cultivant Vida. This is an NGO that has been living and working in Gambia for six years. After the doctor proposed a medical cooperation, they started this project. The fact that Xavi resides in The Gambia makes the controls of the patients easier, which speeds up the official procedures, which are often very difficult.
Burns, the most frequently operated pathology
Burn sequelae are generally the most frequently operated pathology, as there are very many of them. In Gambia, as in other countries with few resources, they can only have access to light, cooking or heat through wood fires, by means of bonfires on the ground. This leads to many accidents, especially among children.
On the other hand, the specialists who collaborate altruistically also intervene in congenital malformations and tumors, pathologies that are particularly numerous among the population.
Children and adolescents are the main patients
Children and adolescents are usually the most frequently operated on. This is the case, for example, with malformations. The same applies to burns, in which approximately 70% are under 15 years of age. In tumors, on the other hand, they are mainly adults. In general, the percentages of patients who undergo surgery are 60% children and 40% adults.
Solidarity surgery and personal satisfaction
Dr. Lliró finds great personal satisfaction in solidarity surgeries. Performing this work, she says, allows us to appreciate many things we have that we are not aware of. This makes us realize the harsh reality that exists in the world. Dr. Lliró assures: “Those of us who do this type of action are selfish because we receive much more than we can offer”. However, she concludes that doing this work is like a drug, which totally hooks you into wanting to continue helping those in need.