Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Missions: A Philanthropic Work

The majority of public spending in health matter is destined to treat pathologies with the highest mortality, such as cardiovascular, metabolic and neoplastic diseases. Therefore, pathologies such as congenital malformations, burn sequelae and cancer sequelae cannot be afforded by people who live in poverty. In consequence, many foundations and missions emerged in Mexico 50 years ago aiming to help these people. Methods: In 2012 the Assistance and Investigation in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Foundation was created. The aim of FUNCIPLAS is to perform extramural surgery missions in different Mexican countries, relying on professional medical volunteers that perform surgical procedures in these patients. Results: Between 2013 and 2015, 10 missions were accomplished. A total of 784 patients were evaluated and 439 underwent surgical reconstruction. Since 2013, 774 procedures had been performed: 52.5% involved congenital abnormalities, 16.4% burn sequelae, 15.76% cancer sequelae and 15.5% trauma sequelae. Conclusion: In a country of 120 million people, there are not enough health care resources to make Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery happens. Furthermore, there are aggravating factors such as educational deficit and poverty; hence more patients develop functional disabilities. FUNCIPLAS emerges as a nonprofit association and as an alternative to support the most vulnerable people in Mexico. For several decades, it has encouraged philanthropy in the surgical area. Nowadays the humanitarian contribution of Plastic Surgery in Mexico is a fact.