Operation Walk Pittsburgh Update #3: Sunday, August 23, 2009

The team started operating at 7:30 a.m. and didn't finish the last case until 6 p.m.  Although it was a long day in the operating room, much was accomplished.  The team was able to complete 18 total joint replacements on 12 different patients (6 patients received bilateral replacements).

Dr. Tony DiGioia and Physician Assistant Mike Hallahan work on a total knee replacement.

Dr. Mike Weiss, Dr. Anton Plakseychuk and Physician Assistant Duane Chess operate on a patient.

Following surgery the patients were transferred to the nursing unit where they will rest overnight and then begin physical therapy in the morning.

The patients and their families have been very appreciative and grateful for the Operation Walk team's work in Guatemala.  One patient said that it was "a miracle from heaven" that the Operation Walk team came to Antigua.  Another patient's family approached a team member with tears in her eyes then hugged and thanked them for giving her loved one a chance to walk again!  It is moments like these that reaffirm the work being done and the tremendous impact the team is making in the lives of the Guatemalan people.

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