October 17, 2014
Craniotomy in Conflict
SAMS recently donated critical craniotomy equipment to a medical facility in Aleppo. It did not take long before the equipment was to put to use saving lives! Meet the first child to undergo brain surgery with the new equipment, during bomb attacks no less.
A craniotomy procedure is very complex, even in the best of circumstances. This procedure involves surgically removing part of the bone from the skull in order to expose the brain. Specialized tools are then used to remove the section of bone called the bone flap. The bone flap is temporarily removed, and replaced after the brain surgery has been performed*. It is truly amazing that doctors were
able to successfully perform this surgery while in a facility experiencing attacks.
This child is a testament to the immeasurable value that medical supplies and donat
ions bring to those in need in Syria. Equipment like this at local Syrian hospitals will reduce the number of referral cases to Turkey and prevent unnecessary long ambulance rides to border hospitals during which lives are lost. This essential equipment will help Syrian doctors perform live-saving surgeries in Aleppo.
