All of the cases on this mission trip were for first stage microtia reconstruction.  Each procedure, which usually takes 2 to 3 hours, requires one set of surgeons to harvest the rib in order to create a cartilage framework while the other set simultaneously prepares the ear area for the framework to be placed.  More details of the surgery can be found on the home page of the website.  Our team occupied 2 operating rooms staffed by separate teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses which made it possible to complete 6 surgeries per day.  23 people volunteered their time to make this HUGS mission successful.    

Dr. Quatela gave me the incredible opportunity to assist him in the O.R. which was an amazing experience. I have scrubbed in as an assistant to my Dad on missions to the Philippines before, but that is my only experience I have had in an operating room and that was more than a few years ago. It was very exciting to be part of a surgery again, even though it was just little tasks like holding skin hooks and cutting stitches; to be honest, I don’t want to be given much more responsibility than that!    

The coolest and most innovative part of this surgery is watching how the rib is carved.  The carving and sewing of the rib pieces takes quite a bit of time. Dr. Q makes sure the shape and size of the ear is just right. Although the ear will not be as durable and bendable as a normal ear, it still has the shape and size of the opposite ear. 3 or 4 surgeries are necessary to complete the transformation, so little by little the ear looks more and more natural.