KUWAIT: Head of the Plastic Surgery Unit at Jaber Hospital, Dr. Sarah Al-Youha, stated that the unit has obtained international academic accreditation. One of the initiatives involved is adhering to international protocols and meticulously recording and addressing complications arising within the department.

To attain accreditation, the unit had surpassed specific benchmarks, including conducting over 1,200 surgeries and evaluating more than 10,000 cases since its inception. Initially led by Dr Salma Al-Hamad, who played a pivotal role in its establishment, the unit has expanded to include eight surgeons, namely Dr Hisham Burizq, Dr Heba Al-Khashnam, Dr Khalid Al-Tarrah, Dr Hussein Al-Mousawi, Dr Hussein Al-Qattan, and Dr Abeer Kalendar.

Several specialized units were introduced, such as operations to rectify children’s deformities. Collaborating with doctors from various specialties, the unit established a cleft palate and craniofacial unit at Farwaniya Hospital, recognized by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association under the leadership of Dr. Latifa Al-Kharafi. Additionally, the department now includes a post-mastectomy reconstruction unit and collaborates with the ENT department at Jaber Hospital to remove head and neck tumors, led by Dr. Maha Al-Jailani.

There’s also a breast surgery department overseen by Dr. Lamyaa Malak and Dr. Suleiman Al-Mazeedi. Cooperation extends to Adan Hospital’s plastic surgery unit, particularly for lymphedema cases, under Dr. Muneera bin Nikhi’s leadership. Dr. Youha attributed this American accreditation to the support of the Ministry of Health, Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, and the administration of Jaber Hospital.

Meanwhile, Plastic Surgery Consultant Dr. Hisham Burizq emphasized the unit’s cohesive atmosphere, facilitating significant achievements within a short period of time. The collaboration among all unit doctors, including Dr. Kalendar, enabled the formation of a specialized team for congenital deformities, which handles a considerable caseload with ministry backing.

Further, by partnering with 11 medical specialties from various government hospitals, the unit established the first-of-its-kind harelip and head deformities unit at Farwaniya Hospital. The unit also participates in treating chronic lesions at Bayt Abdullah and operates a blood vessel malformation clinic at Mubarak Hospital. Dr. Burizq highlighted the unit’s role not only in patient care but also in training doctors and conducting lectures to enhance trainees’ knowledge.