Mission Completed…

Our team just recently returned from a surgical mission to Amatitlan, Guatemala.  Initially, it looked like we might have to abort the mission as the doctors were striking at the Escuintla hospital where we have worked in the past.  Only two days before our departure, our coordinator in Guatemala (Ms. Evelyn Paiz) was able to arrange for us to work in the town of Amatitlan.  Their hospital suffers from many of the same problems that are seen elsewhere; many patients but very few supplies or equipment to care for them.

Our team of 18 members consisted of:

1 Gynecologist
2 Orthopedists
1 General Surgeon
1 Anesthesiologist
1 Internist
1 Anesthetist
2 Physician’s Assistants
1 Dentist
2 Surgical Techs
2 RNs
1 Medical Equipment Supply Representative
3 Support Personnel

The change in hospital venues added unexpected difficulty as we did not have the advanced knowledge of what equipment was available for our use, nor what their needs were.  We had two very accomplished laparoscopic surgeons, one fully functioning laparoscopic tower and an over-abundance of patients needing laparoscopic surgery.  It was quite distressing to us to see the huge need for our services but only a limited ability to deliver the care so desperately needed.

I want to thank each and every member of our team for working so hard to make this mission a success!  They worked long, hard hours in difficult situations using unfamiliar and sometimes inadequate equipment; any unexpected difficulties encountered during surgery would have minimal, if any “bail out” options available to the surgeon to avoid complications. Working under these conditions are extremely stressful.

The mayor of Amatitlan, and the administration and staff at the National Hospital de Amatitlan were extremely warm and welcoming, doing everything in their power to  make our mission as successful and productive as possible.  With only 48 hours notice, they were able to schedule 34 patients needing cholecystectomy, 13 patients needing hysterectomies, 8 patients needing hernia repairs and  at least 18 patients needing orthopedic attention.  Our dentist was kept QUITE busy, performing 154 exams, 205 restorations and 141 extractions.  The hospital staff was extremely receptive and hard working, toiling long hours into the night in order to have our equipment ready for the following morning.  Many thanks for all their hard work in assisting us in our efforts to deliver care to the patients of Amantitlan.

Ed Atwell, M.D.
President

Mission Photos