Lai Chau Province Surgery Week 2026

Well another successful surgery week is in the books. Now that we have 4 complete weeks of surgery behind us we are seeing a significant increase in the numbers of children needing surgery. For example: Historically in Lai Chau province we perform approx 70-80 surgeries per week. This week we performed 178 surgeries in 4 days. Tuesday was the busiest day, our team performed 60 surgeries. We attribute this increase to the effectiveness of our new screening model where the local communities are more involved with identifying children in their communities. Also, a reality check of the growing need for our services and the positive impact we are having on the community.
Highlights for me this week was being reunited with several families from last year. Warms my heart to see the transformation in the children and to receive so many words of appreciation from the parents. Example: We performed bilateral Cleft Lip Repair on this boy in 2025. Also, notable for Lai Chau Province was the # of children this week with Polydactyly. Polydactyly: is a common congenital condition where the baby is born with extra fingers or toes.
Fortunately, our team of specialists are well trained in dealing with these complex cases of Polydactyly and the outcome for the children is very positive.

For many more photos from our surgery week in Lai Chau here is the Google Photo link:  Lai Chau Surgery Week 2026  

Lai Chau Province BONUS: One way to get to know the local community is to visit the local market. Here is a BONUS link to share with you my amazing visit to the local market in Lai Chau. Lai Chau Local Market  

 

Enjoy, Bob McGarry 

Child Surgery Vietnam-USA  


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