Cleft Surgery Workshops
COSECSA, in collaboration with Smile Train and other partners, organizes periodic cleft surgery workshops to enhance surgeons’ skills in cleft lip and palate repair, secondary surgery, and associated reconstructive techniques. These workshops combine didactics, live surgical demonstrations, hands-on practice, and post-operative management discussions. They target both trainees and practicing surgeons who wish to build competence in cleft care, strengthening access to safe, high-quality cleft surgery across East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Purpose
These are focused, often short-duration (1 week) hands-on workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of Plastic surgeons in cleft lip, cleft palate, and related reconstructive techniques. They often include clinical case observations, surgical demonstrations, live surgeries, and hands-on practice (sometimes on models or cadavers).
These workshops complement the training programme and serve to upskill surgeons who may wish to improve their competencies and pioneer cleft care.
History, Partners & Funding
COSECSA’s partnership with Smile Train has enabled investment in cleft and reconstructive training, including workshops.
COSECSA supports multiple surgical exchange programmes and training workshop slots as it is the best way to be able to train and provide care to the community at large
NGOs or organizations like 2nd CHANCE collaborate on reconstructive / cleft surgery training missions in the region, sometimes in conjunction with COSECSA.
Typical Format & Content
• Duration: typically several days to a week
• Content: lectures, surgical demonstrations, hands-on practice, case reviews, postoperative care discussions
• Trainees: could be COSECSA fellows, senior trainees, or surgeons interested in cleft care
• Patient volume: usually local patients intended for cleft repairs or follow-up surgeries
• Follow-up: outcomes measurement, mentorship, possibly remote support
Outcomes & Benefits
• Surgeons improve techniques, confidence, and knowledge
• Expanded access to quality cleft care in underserved regions
• Build local capacity for cleft surgery and postoperative multidisciplinary care
• Strengthen clinical networks and case referral pathways