FROM WAITING ROOMS TO NEW BEGINNINGS: THE POWER OF LIFE-CHANGING SURGERIES
Imagine enduring abnormal postmenopausal uterine bleeding for over a year, living in fear, pain and discomfort, unaware that your symptoms might indicate a serious illness. This was the reality for a 62-year-old woman in the Dominican Republic. The severity of her symptoms limited her mobility and she struggled with daily tasks. Her family had previously sought medical help and were told she had a fibroid or cyst, but no further testing was done.
In April, CE’s OB/GYN team was finally able to evaluate her. Her symptoms raised significant concerns about a possible malignant tumor, prompting the team to schedule a surgery for the next day.
During a lengthy and complex procedure, Dr. Michael Roche and team successfully excised a uterus the size of a bowling ball. As we await the pathology results, the patient is recovering well and will receive ongoing support from CE’s volunteer providers. If the mass is cancerous, CE will assist her in finding care through partner hospitals or established relationships with local physicians.
This highlights the structure and capacity of CE’s model, which establishes long-term relationships with patients and local providers, ensuring continuous care and support.
“There were people that would come to the hospital and stay all day long, hoping that someone’s case might be canceled and that they could have the chance to be operated on that day. There were people who ate nothing and drank nothing for entire days, waiting patiently for their chance at life-altering surgery. Within the Dominican Republic, the need is great, and the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others is what keeps me coming back,” said Wiktor Witkowski, incoming medical student at Rush University. Witkowski was part of the April surgical team, his fourth volunteer trip.
In another urgent case, a young boy was referred to CE’s pediatric urology team for severe phimosis, which was preventing him from urinating. This condition had worsened over time, making it urgent for him to receive a circumcision. However, our anesthesia team initially refused to sedate him due to flu-like symptoms. In the Dominican Republic, the responsibility for patient care heavily rests on anesthesiologists, who are often risk-averse due to the under-resourced environment. However, our team wouldn’t be returning for another year and immediate care was critical. After much deliberation, the team, led by Dr. Jessica Hannick, agreed to proceed with epidural anesthesia. The surgery was a success and he now enjoys a better quality of life, free from the pain and difficulty caused by his condition.
“These service trips are as successful as they are because each individual upholds a commitment to serve others. Each team member plays a significant role in providing quality care to patients in underserved and under-resourced communities. No person alone can change the world, but together, we can help communities and change lives. From the providers to the students, local staff, and volunteers, we come together and combine our efforts to make healthcare a reality for more people,” said Witkowski.
