The journey for the 6th mission went smoothly and we all finally went to our hotel beds in Ouagadougou at 3.00 am. On Sunday morning we were taken to Leo by jeep and even spotted elephants on the way.
The outpatient clinic was already set up when we arrived in Leo and the first patient screening was able to take place, and we also started in the OR. A total of 38 operations were carried out during this mission, not only to remove cataracts but also to implant secondary lenses. Due to the very advanced cataracts in Africa, previous trauma or difficulties during cataract surgery, the capsular bag is often lost, which makes simple artificial lens implantation impossible. I know some patients without a lens, for whom I have promised to look after special lenses.
Thanks to the very uncomplicated mediation and extremely friendly helpfulness from Ophtec, I was provided with a contingent of Artisan lenses in advance, which is even sufficient for further operations. A total of six Artisan IOLs were inserted during this operation, all patients had better vision postoperatively than before the operation (we only see the patients on the first day after the operation, then further checks are carried out externally) and one patient with an increase in visual acuity from finger counting to 0.4 was particularly impressive! You could see the joy on his face as well as in his raised thumbs.
A total of 219 patients were examined and treated in the outpatient clinic during the mission. The distribution of clinical pictures showed 73 patients with cataracts (33%), 21 patients with glaucoma (10%) and 76 patients requiring glasses (distance and/or reading glasses, 35%), which is similar to the figures from previous missions.
Once again, the week was over (too) quickly. The cooperation with the staff in Leo was once again very good, and the food and accommodation were of the usual high standard.
The last evening was traditionally celebrated with a communal dinner and presents for us, before everything was tidied up and stowed away in the camp on Friday. Saturday was only used for the return journey due to Ramadan.
Many thanks to my team and all the supporters who make these missions possible! See you again in November!
