Summary
Background
Craniofacial anomalies, although uncommon, can have considerable effects on the individual,
their family and society.
1
,
2
,
3
,
4
They carry with them a large morbidity and require a highly specialized, multidisciplinary
approach to treatment.
5
Facing the World (FTW), was founded in 2002, to offer facial reconstructive surgery
to children with complex, craniofacial anomalies with no prospect of local treatment,
from developing countries anywhere in the world.Methods
We present an 8-year audit of the cases treated by FTW, where children are brought
from their own countries to the UK for treatment. Patient selection takes place prior
to their arrival in the UK by a multidisciplinary team. Specifically the condition
has to be correctable to a degree that justifies the risks involved with the surgery,
and the disruption to the child and their family.
Results
Since inception, FTW has evaluated more than 300 cases and provided treatment in the
UK for over 24 cases from 18 different countries. We present our range of cases and
complications. We discuss our complication rate of 28% and mortality rate of 4% (1
case).
Conclusions
Key to the sustainability of FTW is the development of local healthcare infrastructure
within the developing countries to facilitate eventual local management of the more
straightforward cases and follow up of these patients by well-trained medical staff.
By establishing these programs, FTW aims to not only change these children's lives
but to raise awareness, and help to expand the global craniofacial network whereby
in the future, satellite partners will be present to help manage these conditions
locally.
Level of evidence
III
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 18, 2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.
