Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, SK ecoplant Offer Free Surgery to Vietnamese Children with Facial Deformities

Semin Facial Deformity Support Association Holds 28th Volunteer Program at 175 Military Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City
Surgeries for Cleft Lip and Palate and Ptosis, and Training for Local Medical Staff

Bundang Seoul National University Hospital announced on October 20 that it had held the 28th Medical Volunteer Program for Children with Facial Deformities in Vietnam from October 4 to 10 at 175 Military Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, together with the Semin Facial Deformity Support Association (Semin Association) and SK ecoplant.

Kim Baekgyu, head of plastic surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (far left), performs surgery to correct a facial deformity. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

Medical staff from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital and the Semin Association traveled to Vietnam to operate on children who needed treatment for facial deformities, including cleft lip and palate and ptosis, and to train local medical staff. Launched in 1996, the program reached its 28th edition this year and is the largest overseas medical volunteer program in Korea.

This year, Kim Baekgyu, chief of plastic surgery at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, led the team. Participants included Baek Long-min, chair of the Semin Association and former president of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital and professor of plastic surgery; Bundang Seoul National University Hospital professors Heo Chanyeong, Jeong Jaehoon, Kim Joungho and Park Gyuhyeong of plastic surgery; residents Lee Sodam, Choi Nakwon and Yoon Junseo; Professor Kim Jina of anesthesiology and pain medicine; resident Lee Geumo; and nurses Lee Jeongju, Koo Minseong, Han Jeyoon, Ryu Jiwoon and Ha Minju.

Children with facial deformities often have difficulty swallowing food or breathing, which can slow their growth. They may also face discrimination because of their speech or appearance and lose confidence, making early treatment important. However, many children in Vietnam cannot undergo surgery for facial deformities because of financial constraints.

Over seven days, the volunteer team performed free surgeries for facial deformities on a total of 36 children and gave local medical staff the opportunity to observe the procedures and learn surgical techniques. The team also donated surgical instruments, equipment and medicines to help improve conditions in an area with inadequate medical infrastructure. SK ecoplant and others sponsored the surgical costs.

“This medical volunteer program in Vietnam was a meaningful opportunity to treat and operate on young patients alongside local medical staff and share our experiences,” team leader Kim Baekgyu said. “I hope we can make even a small contribution to helping children who have lived with the difficulties caused by facial deformities regain their health and confidence through appropriate treatment.” He added, “We will continue to provide the support needed to ensure that our medical volunteer work goes beyond treating young patients and leads to exchanges and cooperation between medical staff in the two countries.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.