A week-long plastic surgery outreach at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) concluded on Friday, April 24, with notable progress in reducing the backlog of patients awaiting specialized care.

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During the exercise, 78 patients were assessed, with 42 successfully operated on by local specialist teams working alongside visiting experts supported by Operation Smile, a non-profit organization focused on expanding access to safe surgery and comprehensive care.

CHUK said the interventions contributed to reducing the plastic surgery sub-specialty waiting list by an estimated three months, easing pressure on surgical services at the referral hospital.

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The teams performed 10 to 12 surgical cases per day, compared to the usual 3 to 4 cases handled on regular working days.

The program played a "significant role in strengthening local capacity and quality health care for all,” CHUK noted.

According to the hospital, the initiative also served as a capacity-building platform where local surgeons worked closely with international teams, enhancing skills transfer in reconstructive surgery.