Doraha, July 8
In order to make the highly specialised reconstructive surgery of face available to the poorest of the poor, an entirely free check up and treatment camp was organised at Sidhu hospital Doraha, today.
Dr Kulwant Singh, a renowned cardiologist of the region, while inaugurating the camp said children with congenital facial defects and their parents are usually depressed due to this glaring deformity and avoid seeking any help or medical treatment as reconstructive surgery of face is usually very costly. In his inaugural address, he appreciated the role played by Sidhu Hospital Doraha, joining hands with SMILE TRAIN International, an NGO, dedicated to the cause of restoring smiles to these families by bringing this advanced and delicate reconstructive surgery totally free at their doorstep.
G.P Singh, Chief Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon at the hospital, who has a vast experience in treating such cases, said surgery is usually performed during the first three to 18 months to repair cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Both types of surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Cleft lip often requires only one reconstructive surgery, especially if the cleft is one sided. The necessity for more operations depends on the skill of the surgeon as well as the severity of the cleft, its shape, and the thickness of available tissue that can be used to create the palate. Some children with a cleft palate require more surgeries to help improve their speech. Surgery is designed to aid in normalising function and cosmetic appearance so that the child will have as few difficulties as possible
Dr Gurdip Singh Sidhu, director and head of surgery, Sidhu Hospital, said there have been many advancements in the treatment of oral
clefting.
