Abstract

FERNANDEZ-PALACIOS, J.. Plastic Surgery in humanitarian emergencies: a 20-year-experience period with Médicos del Mundo. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2015, vol.41, n.2, pp.203-211. ISSN 1989-2055.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922015000200013.

In this paper I present my experience as plastic surgeon working for Médicos del Mundo organization in multiple humanitarian aid surgical missions: war conflicts and emergencies after natural disasters, describing the dynamics of such missions from the initial mobilization until its final from both, a personal perspective and the organization for which I act. Missions were conducted in 10 countries of Europe, Africa and Asia, and more than 330 patients were operated. The displaced surgical team usually consists of anesthesiologist, orthopedic surgeon and plastic surgeon; a suitable combination for the type of pathology founded after earthquakes (open fractures, crush syndrome, sequelae of compartment syndrome) and war (shrapnel wounds, gunshot wounds, traumatic amputations, burns and loss of substance). The existing difference between the humanitarian aid given by the international community in both scenarios is also analyzed.

Keywords : Surgery in war conflicts; Surgery in natural disasters; Humanitarian action.

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