Toddler undergoes cleft palate surgery

When he recuperates from surgery to repair a cleft palate, one-year-old Krishan Ganace will be able to eat and digest food properly. He was among 30 patients who benefited this week from maxillo facial and oral surgery done by surgeons from the University of Tennessee, Baptist Student Union, at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope. Krishan was born with upper cleft palate — a gap in the roof of the mouth caused by the failure of the left and right sides of the mouth to grow together during the early weeks of a child’s development. This led to the serious complication of food coming through his nose. Krishan’s weight was also affected because he was not feeding properly.

His mother Renuka told Newsday it was difficult coping with the condition, and “quite a few doctors” were seen. She said Krishan’s surgery was postponed when he was three months old, six months old and nine months old. Renuka was getting anxious because he would begin talking and she did not want him to have any complications. She was happy that he had surgery because “the younger the better.” Speaking at a media briefing, Dr Ronald Staples, one of the senior surgeons on the team, said his visit to TT was part of the mission of the University’s Baptist Student Union.He said his work was “an extension of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am glad to be here.”

Staples commended the cooperation of the local medical personnel, describing them as “phenomenal.” Medical Chief of Staff at the EWMSC, Dr Ronald Moze, publicly thanked local anaesthetists (from the San Fernando General Hospital and a private institution) who stepped in to give their service after the two foreign anaesthetists on the team were unable to come to TT. Moze stressed that the success of the missions visit to TT was a team effort. He said local medical personnel assisted the foreign surgeons and were responsible for post-operative management of cases. 

The mission from the University of Tennessee is expected to reap additional benefits. James Walter Taylor, a member of the team, said they will encourage their colleagues to visit TT. He said retired doctors will also be encouraged to spend time assisting. Responding to statements made by Dr Moze about a shortage of anaesthetists, Taylor said, “Certainly we will look for anaesthetists and others to participate.” Health Minister John Rahael said anaesthetists will be recruited from overseas as a short-term to medium-term solution. However, the ministry will also be offering scholarships and training.