Until last year, there was only one Hand Surgeon in Bolivia. Now there are two.

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries of South America with a population of 9,775,246 people, bordering on Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina. The Andes and the Amazon basin make for varied climate and beautiful scenery.

I work with Interplast on two week missions in Hand Surgery. Interplast arrives with all the equipment for the surgery and anaesthesia, a full team including nurses, therapists, anaesthetists and surgeons.

We treat as many patients as possible in the two weeks and the local surgeon follows them up. People come from all over the country as this is often the only chance they will ever get for medical help with their hand problems. Local surgeons help and get as much teaching as possible.



Born without fingers                             Too many thumbs                   Burns                                                 Fused and shortened fingers                              


Burns again and keloid scars               'Our' ward                                                   Enchondromas, bony tumours



The Andes                                               Cholitas dancing at parade