The impact of complex facial surgery provided on a short-term surgical mission.

The long-term consequences of performing facial surgery on patients living in rural Ethiopia are largely unknown. A review of 36 patients who had been treated on a short-term surgical mission (STSM) in the previous 2 years was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of the surgical interventions performed. There was a significant reduction in social isolation following a surgical intervention. Improvements in postoperative self-reported changes were found for facial appearance, facial function, and quality of life. Positive outcomes can be achieved when surgical treatment is performed on a STSM.