Abu Dhabi doctors carry out free cleft surgery to help children smile

Surgeons from across the country travelled to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to operate on the youngsters

A toddler with a facial cleft was treated at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Wam

A major hospital in the UAE capital operated on eight children who suffered from cleft lip and cleft palate conditions.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Operation Smile UAE, a charity that provides free surgery at the weekend for youngsters born with such birth defects.

Medics from across the country travelled to the hospital, on Al Maryah Island, to perform the procedures.

A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or the palate.

It causes difficulty in eating and can lead to problems with hearing and speech.

A floor of the hospital was converted into a paediatric unit in which the children could be screened.

All the patients were discharged on Sunday after receiving postoperative care.

“At first, my wife and I thought it would be a longshot, knowing how many children out there need help just like our son,” said Jiangyang, father of 10-month-old Rigzang, who was treated last weekend.

“Then one day, we received a call informing us that he was being considered for surgery and we were simply filled with hope and joy.

“A few months later, our son was undergoing screening to prepare for his surgery. This past weekend has been an emotional roller coaster. We feel like a huge burden has been lifted and we are genuinely grateful to everyone who took part in making this happen.”

Operation Smile started in 1982 and has helped more than 270,000 children and teenagers across the world by providing life-changing surgery.