Operation airway: the first sustainable, multidisciplinary, pediatric airway surgical mission

Derek J Rogers1, Corey Collins2, Ryan Carroll3

  • 1Pediatric Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Insights

This study established the first sustainable pediatric airway surgical mission in Ecuador, training local teams to independently manage children with aerodigestive issues. The program successfully provided care and enhanced local expertise.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Global Health
  • Surgical Missions

Background:

  • Underserved regions often lack specialized pediatric airway surgical care.
  • Developing sustainable, multidisciplinary programs is crucial for long-term impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the development and implementation of a sustainable, multidisciplinary pediatric airway surgical mission.
  • To establish an autonomous surgical airway program in an underserved country.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, qualitative study of 4 missions in Quito, Ecuador.
  • Focus on treating aerodigestive abnormalities and training local healthcare professionals.
  • Development of an educational curriculum and collaborative multidisciplinary care approach.

Main Results:

  • 20 pediatric patients received surgical and diagnostic procedures, including 6 laryngotracheal reconstructions (LTRs).
  • All LTR patients were decannulated; a novel 1.5-stage LTR was developed.
  • Extensive training provided to local otolaryngologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, nurses, and speech-language pathologists.

Conclusions:

  • Successfully created the first sustainable, autonomous pediatric surgical airway program from a teaching institution.
  • Demonstrated the feasibility of establishing independent, multidisciplinary care in underserved areas.
Abstract

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