Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Global Health: Let's Reconstruct Global Surgery

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Outreach

Background:

• The Lancet Commission (2013) and World Health Assembly prioritized Global Surgery.
• Plastic surgery has a long history of international outreach.
• There is a growing need for synergistic and innovative approaches to address local needs in global surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize new developments in plastic and reconstructive surgery within global health.
• To unify approaches to international surgical outreach.
• To explore key aspects of effective global surgery initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Review of current models in international surgical outreach.
• Exploration of benefits and concerns associated with global surgery.
• Assessment of the value of research in global surgery.
• Evaluation of the role of education in international surgical outreach.
• Analysis of the impact and potential of technology in global surgery.

Main Results:

• Increased synergy and collaboration in international surgical outreach.
• Formation of a global network ('Let's Reconstruct Global Surgery') via Facebook for plastic surgeons.
• Identification of actionable recommendations across key areas of global surgery.

Conclusions:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery plays a vital role in global health initiatives.
• A unified and innovative approach is crucial for effective international surgical outreach.
• Leveraging research, education, and technology can significantly enhance global surgical capacity and outcomes.