November 2009

We perform numerous orthopaedic surgeries in Ecuador and also do follow-ups with patients we operated on the previous year. It’s gratifying to see how their lives are completely changed with the increased mobility. The most common surgeries are hip and knee replacements and club feet, often on children.

Our dentists and their assistants provide care for poor children in rural schools while we teach at the local medical school. We also donated equipment, so the dentists can assist the poor in Cuenca.

Praying for a miracle

"For many years I have seen you (the Medical Team) do miracles here, and I have been praying for a miracle for my brother." These words were spoken to me last February by a local nurse that I became friends with since volunteering with the Medical/Dental Team in Ecuador. Mercedes had witnessed life-changing hip and knee replacement surgeries at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cuenca. She saw how our team enabled people to have surgery and return to productive lives. She prayed that we had something to offer her brother who had suffered a spinal cord injury. With the help of our physiotherapist, her brother was given leg braces, exercises and medications. They were very grateful and, like all of our patients over the years, they felt their prayers had been answered. The average cost of a hip or knee prosthesis is $2,000. The average salary in Ecuador is less than $200 a month. The generosity of EMAS supporters enables this project to continue.

Catherine Turn, R.N.
Operation Esperanza

February 2008

Medical Dental Mission to Ecuador—
Operation "Esperanza" (Hope)

We had an excellent medical/dental mission to Cuenca, Ecuador, in January. The team was 51 members strong.

Dr. Manuel Avila was again our local leader. We held a follow-up clinic, for patients who had surgery during the previous three years. All were doing very well and some put on a little dance to show how easily they could now move! The surgeries have been life-changing for many of them.

On Sunday afternoon we held a massive clinic. The patients who were candidates for surgery were seen by an anaesthesiologists. Those that were not, were given advice and medication, and were seen by physiotherapists followed by pastoral care.

We had an intensive week of surgery. We were able to do 30 hip and knee replacement surgeries. An orthopaedic surgeon from Calgary also did several periacetabular osteotomies (a procedure that provides better coverage over the femoral head) in young people, in the hope of preventing arthritis of the hip later in life. 22 children also had surgery but others had to be told that they would not have surgery this year. The thought that we might be able to return and help them next year gave them hope.

Our two dentists and their assistants provided care to poor children in rural schools. The dental team saw 139 children and four adults. They performed 350 fillings, 67 extractions, 42 sealants and 21 other procedures! With funds from Edmonton Rotary Clubs, we were able to purchase two dental chairs and dental kits, including a compressor and suction. These were left in Cuenca so that other dentists can use them to help the poor.

Much teaching was done during our mission. The orthopaedic surgeons on the team met with the Cuenca Orthopaedic society and did presentations on a number of topics. Several Ecuadorian surgeons observed and assisted with surgery in order to improve their skills. We have noticed that medical care, in the local hospitals, has improved over the years. Our team members are pleased to teach and to exchange ideas with their Ecuadorian colleagues. We had a deep sense of "Mission Accomplished."