KUWAIT CITY, April 1: In a remarkable medical achievement, a multidisciplinary team at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital successfully saved the life of a young woman who suffered severe injuries in a horrific traffic accident. The injuries included the loss of a significant portion of her skull and scalp, exposing her brain, along with eyelid lacerations, extensive soft tissue loss in her upper limbs (exposing nerves, joints, and bones), and deep burns on her back.

Immediately after the accident, the patient was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit, where she spent nearly three months undergoing continuous treatment. She required more than 20 complex surgeries, involving specialists from plastic and reconstructive surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology and eyelid surgery, urology, intensive care, anesthesia, pediatrics, and microbiology.

The plastic and reconstructive surgery team played a crucial role in her recovery, performing intricate procedures such as:

Free microscopic flaps to cover the exposed brain and nerves

Eyelid reconstruction to protect her vision

Upper limb reconstruction using microvascular-supported skin flaps

Nerve repair and transfer to preserve hand motor function

Treatment of back burns using artificial skin (Matriderm from Central Circle) and fish skin (Kerexis from Medvigon)

Dr. Khaled Al-Tarrah, a plastic and burn surgery specialist and director of the plastic surgery program, stated: "This case reflects the essence of plastic surgery—from saving lives to restoring function. We faced complex challenges that demanded the highest level of precision and teamwork."

Dr. Hiba Al-Khasham, Consultant Plastic and Burn Surgeon and Head of the Plastic Surgery Unit at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital, added: "This success is the result of seamless collaboration between specialties. We take pride in our entire team, from consultants to resident fellows, who demonstrated exceptional competence. We also acknowledge the vital contributions of Dr. Abeer Kalander and Dr. Hussein Al-Moussawi."

Dr. Sarah Bou Abbas, Consultant of Internal Medicine and Critical Care and Head of the Intensive Care Unit, remarked: "This was one of the most complex cases we’ve handled, requiring meticulous, round-the-clock care to manage multiple complications. Saving her was not just a medical milestone but also a testament to interdepartmental cooperation."

Dr. Hisham Burzaq, Head of the Kuwaiti Plastic Surgeons Association and the Plastic Surgery Team, expressed pride in his colleagues: "It is incredibly rewarding to see doctors I’ve trained now leading such intricate cases with expertise and teamwork. Witnessing them work together as a cohesive unit to save a young life embodies the progress and professionalism of plastic surgery in Kuwait. I am proud of each one of them."

The medical team and staff at Jaber Hospital celebrated this achievement, highlighting it as a model of medical collaboration and a beacon of hope for the patient and her family toward a brighter future.