Operation Walk Pittsburgh Update #2: Saturday, August 22, 2009

By Anthony M. DiGioia III, MD on August 23, 2009 1:18 PM | | Comments (0)

Today was patient screening day. The morning started with the official Operation Walk Pittsburgh team photo.  Following the photo, the members of the Operating Room Team unpacked supplies and set up the ORs.  Members of the Screening Team went up to the screening area where they were greeted by 58 patients and their families.  The patients and families began clapping loudly as the Screening Team ascended the stairs.  It was an emotional moment for the team-- the first taste of the impact that they hope to make in Guatemala.


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Patients and families waiting for the Operation Walk Team


The screening process lasted most of the morning and then the selection process began to determine which patients would qualify for surgery.  After the patients were selected, the surgeries were scheduled for the week.  The patients and their families were informed of their selection for surgery.


A pre-operative teaching class was held for the patients and their families to explain the surgical procedure, post-operative and home care and physical therapy.


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Pre-op teaching session


Four surgeries were performed this afternoon in preparation for a full day of surgery tomorrow.


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The OR team waiting for the first patient


To see additional photos of the team's trip, please visit http://www.operationwalkpgh.org/trip_photos.htm

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