The section Global Surgery is commited to different aspects of surgery in LMICs.  

The incidence of disability due to injury, tumor disease, or congenital anomalies is significant, and there is a shortage of qualified surgeons to perform specialized plastic reconstructive surgery – especially in Africa. 

In Jingja, Uganda, the „LAMU Hospital – Centre for Reconstructive Surgery and Global Surgery“ has been established as a unique center for reconstructive surgery in East Africa. Together with NGO ANDO – modular aid and the Ugandan Bulamu Bukondhe Foundation the working group Global Surgery has built a network with international and national (non-)governmental organizations in order to ensure longterm and qualitative surgical care in East Africa. The Surgical Center sees itself as a training clinic for plastic and reconstructive surgery. Surgeons from East and Central Africa will be offered training modules in the field of traumatology and reconstructive surgery. 

Scientific activities represent a broader focus. The working group Global Surgery pursues the following main research topics in interdisciplinary and international cooperation: 

• Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the lower extremity after high impact trauma (with special expertise in war wounds)
  
• Oncological surgery and neoadjuvant therapy for breast carcinoma and sarcoma  
• Multimodal therapeutic approaches in the treatment of burn injuries
• Hernia surgery and complex abdominal wall defects
  

The research activities aim to address the consequences of pressing medical challenges in „low-income countries“ that affect the health of people affected by disability due to trauma or tumorous diseases. As Global Surgery follows and embodies a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, it emphasized the importance of research and implementation of qualitative health measures. These measures have to be internationally accepted, according to respective professional standards and implemented in low-income countries.  

The research focus on violence against healthcare in armed conflicts adds to this. In order to provide patients in crises and war zones with qualitative healthcare and to enable medical workers secure and safe access to patients, there is a need of experienced professionals and the recognition of humanitarian international law. Education, promotion, and research in the field of Reconstructive Surgery and Humanitarian Negotiation are intended to address pressing challenges to human service. 

Lead
Dr. Jan Wynands

Co-Lead
Prof. Tom Potokar, Chief Surgeon at International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)