Hannah’s Field Trip – A day in Surgery

We are always looking for interesting things for the kids to ‘do’ as field trips and the cataract clinic was an amazing opportunity for our kids to see something new and different.

When the doctors invited us to view a surgery we jumped at the chance and Hannah and I did a ‘walk through’ with a patient from start to finish.

Suzy and Hannah prepared to watch a cataract surgery

So please join us on this journey through a cataract operation:

First the patients are assessed to make sure their sight problem is truly cataract  as there are many other eye diseases that cause blindness here.

Patients waiting to be screened
Patients then wait in line for the surgery.  173 surgeries were performed in 4 and half days, which is quite a remarkable accomplishment. 
 

One of our Pastors shares the gospel with waiting patients
First stop before surgery is with Wilson, who uses an ultrasound machine to scan and measure the eye and the current lense to make a perfect synthetic match for each patient.  They also check if their is suspected retina detachment or other complications.  He puts numbing drops in the eye ready for stage 2!!
Wilson shows Hannah the ultrasound scanner
This was much harder to watch than the actual surgery.  After Wilson they go to Emily.  She cleans the eye with povidine and injects a local anesthetic into a small space between the bone and the eyeball.  Thankfully the patient can’t see yet!
Emily injecting the patient with a local anesthetic
A pressure ball is placed over the eye to prevent the eyeball bulging out and they then wait for the surgeon.
 

Patients waiting with the pressure ball on the eye
The doctor starts with clamping the eye open and making a small incision.  I can’t remember all the details but he basically slipped out the cataract and then slipped in a new lens. 
During surgery
It was fascinating to see how the once cloudy eye was now perfectly clear.  Hannah closely watched the entire process which took only 15 minutes.  I was so proud of her, I think she did better than me.
 

Hannah with Dr. Ben during surgery
After surgery they are bandaged and taken to the ward to spend one night before having the bandages removed and being retested.
Moses helps a patient as he leaves surgery
 

3 thoughts on “Hannah’s Field Trip – A day in Surgery”

  1. I am proud of Hanna too. It would appear that the Lord is prparing Hanna for the future where He can use her bravery.
    May the Lord continue to send those that can bring todays medical expertise on behalf of the people of Sudan.
    Thank you for keeping us up to date on God’s work through you.
    Blessings
    Connie

  2. WOW!! Way to go you Kuj women!! What awesome miracles are happening everyday in Tonj and surrounding area! I am so blessed to be a small part of your mission! You all have our hearts and are in our prayers!! We love you!!

    Kathie Colton

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