: Mission Dates: September 13–18, 2024
Mission Location: New Hope Hospital, Cape Haitien, Haiti
Mission Purpose: To provide surgical care for Haitian males suffering from large filarial hydroceles, other forms of hydroceles, and inguinal hernias.
Summary
From September 13 to September 18, 2024, the Make Men Smile® surgical team conducted a mission at New Hope Hospital in Cape Haitien, Haiti. The primary goal was to address the medical needs of Haitian men suffering from large filarial hydroceles, as well as hydroceles resulting from other causes and inguinal hernias.
A total of 41 patients were treated, including 24 men with bilateral hydroceles and 17 with unilateral hydroceles. The team successfully performed 65 hydrocelectomies, 3 inguinal hernia repairs, and 1 orchiectomy. Among the patients treated, the oldest was 91 years old, the youngest was 35, and the largest fluid accumulation removed was 2100 milliliters.
One patient had an unusually large mass in addition to a hydrocele, which was highly suggestive of a malignant tumor. An orchiectomy was performed to remove the testicle, though pathology results are still pending due to the need for a fully established lab at the hospital.
All surgeries were performed successfully with no major complications, contributing to improved health outcomes for the patients served.
Dr. Gary Lu, an internist/hematologist, led a team of two students in providing care to dozens of patients with a variety of medical conditions.
Team Members
The success of this mission was made possible by the dedication and expertise of the following team members:
- Dr. Liguang Huang – Anesthesiologist (USA)
- Dr. Xin Liu – Anesthesiologist (USA) and Surgeon (China)
- Dr. Qi Li – Transplantation & Wound Care Surgeon (USA)
- Dr. Steven Shu – Proceduralist (USA) and Surgeon (China)
- Dr. Peishan Zhao – Anesthesiologist (USA)
- Dr. Haibing Wang – Anesthesiologist (USA) and Surgeon (China)
- Dr. Ling Wang – Anesthesiologist (USA)
- Dr. Gary Lu – Internist/Hematologist (USA)
- Dr. Etine – General Surgeon (Haiti)
- Jack Lu – High School Student (USA)
- Rebeca Liu – High School Student (USA)
Funding
This mission was made possible by the Make Men Smile® program and generous contributions from supporters across the United States. Funds for the mission were raised through various fundraising efforts and donations.
Support & Future Missions
To learn more about the Make Men Smile® mission program and how you can contribute to future missions, please visit our website at www.MakeMenSmile.org.
Conclusion
The Make Men Smile® team is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the community of Cape Haitien. This mission’s success was a direct result of the collaboration, expertise, and commitment of our volunteers and donors. We remain dedicated to improving the lives of those in need and look forward to continuing our work in Haiti and other regions in the future.
