Despite worldwide travel restrictions, Dr. Karl Schuhmann travelled to Armenia with a small team to operate on war victims. The report vividly describes how reconstructive surgery gives people new perspectives.
Medical Challenges
Many patients suffered from severe contracture scarring, loss of grip function or breathing difficulties following blast injuries. Using flap procedures, tendon transfers and specialist splints, fundamental movements were restored.
Teamwork in Times of Crisis
Hygiene protocols, regular testing and reduced team sizes ensured safety. At the same time, local doctors were trained to carry out aftercare and further procedures independently. In this way, support continues even after the international team has departed.
More Than Surgery
The missions create hope – for patients who bear the heavy marks of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Conversations, joint planning and psychological support are part of the concept and demonstrate that plastic surgery can also accompany trauma healing.
