Surgeon discusses face reconstruction
Craniofacial operations change people’s lives
Cranio-maxillofacial surgery is undeniably one of the most intricate and specialised forms of surgery.
Surgeons operating in the craniofacial region delve through intricate structures such as the skull, facial bones, sinuses, nerves, blood vessels, soft tissues, and the brain.
This was made quite clear in a recent presentation by Professor Glenn Lello, a retired craniofacial surgeon from Edinburgh at a recent meeting of the University of the Third Age (U3A) at the Don Powis Hall, Settlers Park Retirement Village in Port Alfred.
Surgeons like Lello, who hails from SA and maintains a holiday home in Port Alfred, deftly navigate the entangled craniofacial landscape with great accuracy, aiming for the best possible outcome for a
patient. As expressed by U3A committee member Trevor Langley in his message of appreciation after the presentation, their work is nothing short of miraculous.
Lello has studied and worked in universities and hospitals and royal colleges in Johannesburg, Pretoria, USA, England, Zurich, and Scotland.
He is a Fellow of London and Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons and has taught, trained, and examined surgeons in UK, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and India.
The examples presented to the Port Alfred branch of U3A come from work he did in Johannesburg and Pretoria. It struck a strong South African chord, similar, but sensitively more deeply striking than winning rugby world cups.
Although craniomaxillofacial surgery addresses a wide range of conditions, Lello concentrated on trauma, tumours, and congenital or hereditary disorders It was an eye-opener leading his presentation into intimate insights into the mysteries within the world of the face and cranium.
The presentation evoked a mix of unsettling emotions, yet it was delivered with remarkable empathy. The audience, comprising more than 100 members of U3A PA and visitors, remained enthralled from start to finish.
This fascinating branch of surgery often involves the collaboration of various
specialists to manage complex cases. Surgeons such as Lello contribute significantly to the field, bringing expertise and innovation to challenging procedures.
The surgery can involve high-stakes situations, such as the careful removal of foreign objects like a panga or spear from a patient’s head, which requires precision to avoid damaging the brain and the intricate network of nerves and arteries.
In some instances, surgeons may use other body tissue, such as ribs or soft tissue to reconstruct an entire new face, showcasing the remarkable capabilities and adaptability of medical professionals.
The work of these surgeons not only restores function and appearance but also offers a new lease on life to those affected by severe facial injuries or deformities.
Imagine the impact of a collection of slides depicting individuals with a panga embedded deep in their heads, struck with a spear in the skull, or even a man who had been struck in the face with an axe. Then imagine them surviving to lead a life. Then you can imagine you were at Lello’s talk.
Rainfall and temperatures in Port Alfred for the week Wednesday April 17 to Tuesday April 23 2024 (Rainfall in millimetres and temperature degrees in Celsius (°C))
● Wednesday: 0 (17°C)
● Thursday: 0 (16°C)
● Friday: 0 (15°C)
● Saturday: 0 (17°C)
● Sunday: 0 (20°C)
● Monday: 1 (21°C)
● Tuesday: 6 (13°C)
● Total rainfall: 7mm
● Seven-day mean temperature 17°C (Median 17)
● Average for April 104mm ● YTD 155mm
● MTD 46mm
— Rainfall and temperature measurements, recorded at 6am in Forest Downs, Port Alfred by Emil Jurgensen.