Dr. Ted Belanger, Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute has been leading a medical team to Ethiopia for the last several years. Their mission is to help people with severe spinal conditions with the latest in medical technology and techniques. Continue to follow their journey here on our blog.
Day 4
Our trip has been busy and productive so far. We started ordering 2 cups of coffee per person at the beginning of our meals versus waiting until we were finished to help acquire as many milligrams of caffeine in as little of time as possible before we have to rush off to the clinic and OR. Dessie Merkebu, a 4-year-old girl, was up next on the schedule today. She had an L1-Corpectomy and a T11-L3 Posterior Spinal Fusion Instrumentation. Once completed by Dr. Belanger and Dr. Julie went in from the front and removed an Umbilical hernia that was 4 inches long and sticking out the front of her belly button. She is recovering well and has a happy mother, caring for her in post-op. After surgery, we ate dinner at the Hilton and happened to run into a good friend and famous artist Fikru. Today was a great day and was full of good news, laughs, and good company.