PLASTIC SURGERY

Originally, the practice of plastic surgery at the Hospital started with the anatomical reconstruction of severely burned patients and victims of road traffic accidents. Some 5000 burn patients were admitted to the Burn Unit since its establishment in 1977. The mortality rate before 1985 was 5.3% but this dropped significantly to 0.83% during the past 10 years. This is the positive outcome of intensive care, prompt surgery and the use of topical, anti microbial agents as well as biological dressings. Facilities at the Burn Unit in Rumailah Hospital are regularly assessed and upgraded to meet the critical requirements of burn patients.

Reconstructive surgery of congenital anomalies and malformations, like meningomyelocele, is also done with remarkable success. Meningomyelocele, a deformity in the spine of a new born, is corrected with the use of myocutaneous flap. The whole procedure is delicate and difficult but the Plastic Surgery team has consistently achieved excellent results.

Other congenital abnormalities which the team corrects include cleft palates, syndactyly and hypospadias. Reduction mammoplasty and reconstruction following mastectomy are also routinely performed.

Gradually the services have expanded and, lately, diversified with particular interest in cosmetic surgery. Suction assisted abdominal dermoidectomy, for the treatment of obesity and pendulous belly, is performed along with rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.