In Lviv, a city in western Ukraine, United Surgeons for Children (USFC) regularly organizes one-week missions with French volunteer surgeons and nurses. Their mission: to train their Ukrainian counterparts in specific war surgery techniques and infection prevention.

In the corridors of Saint-Panteleimon Hospital, Dr. Stéphane Romano, a French orthopedic surgeon and volunteer for USFC, carefully examines the X-rays of Arthur Dron, a 24-year-old Ukrainian. The images reveal a complex injury caused by a mine explosion: fragments pierced his forearm, causing a fracture and rupture of the median nerve. A characteristic injury of war trauma, requiring specific surgical expertise.

“Before my injury, I was studying journalism and working as an event manager for a publishing house,” Arthur confides. “I joined the 125th Territorial Defense Brigade in March 2022. Now, after the explosion of this mine, I have to relearn how to use my hand.” Following the operation performed by Dr. Romano in collaboration with his Ukrainian counterparts, Arthur remains hopeful: “Part of my nerve was torn out, I lost sensation in several fingers and part of my palm. Thanks to this surgical intervention, I will be able to recover much faster, regain sensitivity and mobility in my fingers.”

Crucial Expertise for Complex Injuries

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the orthopedics and traumatology department of Saint-Panteleimon has become one of the main centers for treating war casualties in western Ukraine. “The war has brought its own challenges,” explains Dr. Vasyl Rokyta, head of the department. “Mine injuries are particularly complex because the nature of the trauma and damage is diverse. Even a delay of a day or a few hours can change the treatment approach.”

It is to meet these challenges that USFC, with the financial support of the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, organizes surgical missions in Lviv several times a year.

“Ukrainian surgeons are very competent,” emphasizes Rory Peters, mission leader for USFC in Ukraine. “But our specialists bring unique expertise in war surgery and the treatment of blast injuries, which makes their contribution particularly valuable.”

Dr. Romano, who has 35 years of experience in war surgery, trains local teams in specific techniques: “We mainly teach nerve repair and reconstruction after nerve injury, as well as bone reconstruction with very specific grafts, called induced membrane techniques, which were not previously practiced.” This collaboration is very valuable for the Ukrainian team.

“Together, we carry out consultations for complex cases and perform surgeries. We have learned a lot from Dr. Romano, whose extensive experience has been invaluable. Recently, we performed our institution’s first surgery on a soldier suffering from a serious brachial plexus injury. It was an exciting and significant moment, filled with intense emotions.”

— Dr. Vasyl Rokyta, head of the orthopedics and traumatology department at Saint-Panteleimon Hospital in Lviv

Infection Prevention, a Vital Issue

The success of a surgery does not depend solely on the surgical procedure. For the first time, two French nurses are joining Dr. Romano on this mission to train their Ukrainian counterparts in infection prevention protocols.

“Surgical site infections are a major source of complications and post-operative mortality,” explains Batoul Lyakoute, nurse and volunteer for USFC. “This is particularly critical here because injuries have often been inflicted in extreme conditions.” Emma Pertusa, another volunteer nurse, specifies: “We share specific protocols for pre-operative preparation: patient transport to the operating room, installation, preparation of the incision site…”

Ukrainian nurses really appreciate this sharing of expertise. “It’s an enriching experience to observe how other countries work. On the surface, we perform the same procedures, but their approach is different,” explains Liza Goi, operating room nurse. “What is remarkable is that they adapt to our way of working rather than the opposite, which greatly facilitates collaboration.”

Infection prevention is more crucial than ever, as medical teams face growing antibiotic resistance. “Many patients receive initial treatment in hospitals near the front before being transferred here,” explains Rory Peters. “When they arrive in Lviv for additional interventions, they often face severe infections. Some lose limbs that could have been saved.”

A Chain of Solidarity that Transforms Lives

This expertise is vital for patients like Andrii Sydorenko, a soldier who lost his sight, underwent a leg amputation, and suffered a fracture in the little finger of his right hand following the explosion of a mine in the Donetsk region. “Thanks to the doctors, I am alive today,” he confides. “With the operation, my finger will now be straight. It may not move, but it will no longer bother me or get in the way. It’s a huge improvement.”

For Lesia, Andrii Sydorenko’s wife, medical support goes far beyond surgery. “These men are not only physically injured, they are mentally injured. At first, Andrii spoke little, he was withdrawn. But gradually, we learned to communicate. Step by step, we move forward. We live, we continue, we dream.”

She adds: “By being by his side, I’ve witnessed his incredible strength. He has taught me to be strong too. Each new operation no longer scares us. We are ready, and that makes us stronger. The support we receive helps Andrii understand that he is not alone.”

A Lasting Impact on the Ukrainian Health System

“During a single mission, we may operate on about twenty patients. But when I return three months later, I discover that the surgeons we have trained have treated 300 to 400 patients using these techniques.”

For Dr. Romano, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the long-term impact of his work.

Through these ongoing missions, USFC plays a crucial role in sustainably strengthening Ukrainian surgical expertise, equipping local teams to manage  the continuous influx of casualties. This effort is vital as the conflict continues to burden the country’s health system, making humanitarian aid in Ukraine more essential than ever.