The rhythm of the week is always that we do the first stage cases which include harvest of rib cartilage and implanting it in position for the missing ear. Those cases take 4-6 hours. Two per room each day can make the first days long.
Next we do shorter cases on the following days. This includes lifting the implanted cartilage so that it now becomes 3 dimensional and looks more like a normal ear, or fixing small cosmetic issues after the first 2 stages have been done. Since we come to these sites once a year, the stages are separated by our yearly mission visits. Second stage cases are 1-2 hours. So the pace is faster getting patients ready as cases end. In addition, everyone needs lunch so it gets a little crazy.
Kris and I finished our room early because one patient ate a full breakfast at 11am and was not eligible for a general anesthetic in the early afternoon. We offered him a local anesthesia option but he was too nervous to do that so he will wait until tomorrow.
We left the hospital to try one last shopping spree. Much of what is sold here has a label associated with high end products but it is not high quality. Some of the fakes are really good. Others are clearly fake. It’s sort of a fun game.
We walked back along the lake to our hotel. We passed an interesting outdoor restaurant that was very close to our hotel. Once we sorted out dinner plans, we got together with recovery nurses and sat outside for a very nice meal.
Tomorrow will be a much shorter day as we finish cases and pack up surgical equipment and leftover supplies. It is all part of the mission process. Having done about 10 missions so far, I know what to expect and perhaps what can happen. It’s all great.
The Adventures of Anne 
What did you buy? Safe travels home.
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