Interplast Italy: a 20-year plastic and reconstructive surgery humanitarian experience in developing countries

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Surgical Missions
• Developing Countries

Background:

• Interplast Italy, a non-profit, offers reconstructive surgery and medical education in underserved regions.
• A debate exists regarding the effectiveness of such health support strategies in developing nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on 20 years of Interplast Italy's reconstructive surgery missions.
• To analyze operative strategies, activities, and outcomes.
• To contribute to the philosophy of humanitarian medical missions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 20 years of mission data (1988-2008).
• Documentation of operative strategies, patient demographics, and diagnoses.
• Evaluation of patient outcomes and capacity building.

Main Results:

• 47 missions completed, with 5,235 operations performed.
• Congenital cleft deformity (46.13%) and postburn contractures (37.36%) were the most common conditions.
• 2,286 patients (43.7%) were minors.

Conclusions:

• Local physician collaboration is essential for patient preselection, organization, and sustainable healthcare.
• Continuous multidisciplinary teaching is vital for developing local surgical capacity.
• Interplast Italy's efforts established a plastic surgery service in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for structured partnerships for funding and improved outcomes.