Farah forward surgical team and Afghan physician team-up for procedure on 6-year-old

FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

04.10.2010

Story by Senior Airman Rylan Albright 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

Medical personnel from Forward Operating Base Farah's U.S. Navy Forward Surgical Team continued to help build medical capability for Afghans living in Farah province by assisting with a hydrocelectomy on a 6-year-old local boy in Farah, Afghanistan, April 10.

Samadine Udine, 6, from Shorabad village in Farah Province, was brought to FOB Farah by his local doctor, Arash Mehri, to remove a hydrocele. The surgical procedure was conducted by U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Obie Powell, FST general surgeon, with assistance from Dr. Mehri. Dr. Powell used the simple procedure as a way of educating and training Dr. Mehri on surgical techniques.

"It's not a dramatic life-saving procedure — it's more of a comfort thing," said Dr. Powell, "It's not painful, but it never gets better"

Hyroceles can only be removed by surgery, which influenced Dr. Mehri to contact the FST and seek mentorship from Dr. Powell. The both of them were successful at releasing all excess fluid.

"I came along in order to learn something. I have learned new medical procedures, "said Dr. Mehri, "This is the first time I assisted with a hydrocele."

Joint surgeries between the FST and Afghan physicians are becoming a trend in Farah, where local doctors are allowed to assist in surgeries on the condition that it is used as a mentoring tool and a learning opportunity for both parties.

"It is amazing what they [Afghan physicians] can do with the limited resources that they have out here," said Dr. Powell, "We're spoiled compared to what these guys have, but they really do a good job with what they have. Especially in an austere environment like this, we can really learn a lot from them."

Dr. Powell said Samadine will be up and about in a few days and will be followed up by Dr. Mehri.

"I give thanks to both Afghan and American doctors for helping my son," said Ghouse Udine, Samadine's father. Ghouse was present for the entire surgical procedure.

• Date Taken: 04.10.2010
• Date Posted: 04.14.2010 09:41
• Story ID: 48131
• Location: FARAH, AF