Posted on 11/27/2007 3:31:06 PM PST by SandRat
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2007 An Air Force neurosurgeon assigned to Craig Joint Theater Hospital here saved the life of an 8-month-old Afghan girl earlier this month.
After Egyptian physicians referred her to the U.S. hospital, Air Force neurosurgeon Lt. Col. (Dr.) Randall McCafferty diagnosed a congenital brain abnormality called an arachnoid cyst at the base of the young girls brain. The cyst had caused blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, thus causing hydrocephalus (commonly known as water on the brain), McCafferty said. Left untreated, the condition could have eventually been fatal. Thanks to the recent deployment of neurosurgical assets to Afghanistan, McCafferty was able to operate on the child Nov. 12 and again Nov. 20, removing the cyst and leaving the girl in good condition. I was happy that I could bring specialized training to this region that did not previously exist and that with those skills I was able to provide an opportunity at a future life for both the child and her family that likely would not otherwise exist, McCafferty said. The doctor also said he felt fortunate to have the support of his command, colleagues and the intensive care unit staff at Craig Joint Theater Hospital. (From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.) |
Related Sites: Combined Joint Task Force 82 NATO International Security Assistance Force |
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USAF doctor bump!
Thanks for the post.
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