International Collaboration Advances Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery at Korle Bu

A six-member team from the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS), in collaboration with the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and the College of Health Sciences (University of Ghana Medical School and University of Ghana Dental School) has conducted a three-day training programme on advanced maxillofacial reconstructive surgery to strengthen specialist surgical care in Ghana.

The training brought together surgeons from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), Plastic Surgery and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments, reflecting the multidisciplinary approach required in complex head and neck reconstruction.

In an interview with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Chair of the Norman Rowe International Educational Foundation (NRIEF), a sub-committee and humanitarian charity of BAOMS, Professor Sunil Sah, explained that the programme focused on advanced reconstruction of the head and neck region using microsurgical techniques.

According to Professor Sah, the procedure represents a major advancement in reconstructive surgery. Rather than relying primarily on artificial implants such as metal plates to replace bones and tissues removed following trauma or cancer surgery, surgeons are trained to reconstruct affected areas using the patient's own bone, blood vessels and soft tissue taken from other parts of the body.

He noted that the multidisciplinary nature of the procedure necessitated the participation of surgeons from the Dental, Plastic Surgery and ENT departments, who work closely together in the management of complex head and neck cases.

Professor Sah said participants received training in several advanced procedures, including Selective Neck Dissection, Maxillectomy and Maxillary Reconstruction, Radial Forearm Free Flap Reconstruction, Lip Split Mandibular Osteotomy, among other specialised reconstructive techniques.

Explaining why Korle Bu was selected to host the programme, he indicated the partnership was fostered by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof Alfred Yawson, and that the hospital's size, specialist workforce and infrastructure made it the ideal institution to introduce the initiative in the region.

"This is the largest teaching hospital in West Africa with the manpower and infrastructure needed to establish this service," he said, adding that starting with a larger institution would provide a stronger foundation for the programme.

He acknowledged that the procedures are expensive to establish but expressed optimism that support from the Norman Rowe International Educational Foundation (NRIEF) would help reduce treatment costs for patients.

Prof. Sah further noted that although the training marked an important step, some Ghanaian surgeons would require additional specialised training in countries such as South Africa, India, China and parts of Europe to further develop their expertise.

Speaking to his colleague, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and General Secretary of NRIEF, Mr. Michael Ho, described the initiative as a significant milestone for maxillofacial surgery in Ghana and across Africa. He said introducing advanced reconstructive surgery would enhance the services offered by KBTH, attract referrals from neighbouring countries and reduce the need for African patients to travel outside the continent for specialised treatment.

Mr. Ho explained that while the Foundation would continue to provide technical support, the successful establishment of the service would require strong commitment from both the Hospital and the College of Health Sciences, particularly in providing the initial investment, infrastructure and institutional support needed to sustain the programme.

He was confident that the Medical and Dental Schools of the College of Health Sciences could position themselves as a hub for international surgical collaborations. According to him, once the programme becomes fully established in the next five years, it has the potential to generate significant revenue for both the hospital and the country through increased regional referrals.

The visiting team also donated specialised surgical equipment, including scalpels, bone saws and other essential instruments, to support training and patient care.

Both Professor Sah and Mr. Ho expressed the shared vision of ensuring that Ghanaians have access to world-class reconstructive healthcare within the country, reducing the need for overseas treatment while establishing Ghana as a regional centre of excellence in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery.

A Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and former Head of the Dental Department, Dr. Matthew Owusu Boamah, described the training as a laudable initiative that would significantly enhance specialist surgical care at the hospital. He noted that the Hospital has enthusiastic resident doctors who are eager to learn the advanced reconstructive surgical techniques being introduced. Dr. Boamah expressed optimism that by the next phase of the workshop, scheduled for January 2027, participants would have built on the knowledge gained and the programme would continue to achieve successful outcomes.