Filipina Benefits from Breakthrough 3D Printing Technology in Bahrain

Rosalina Grandusa, before and after her surgery. (Manama PE photo)

MANAMA 27 June 2019 — Rosalina Grandusa, a household service worker in the residence of Ali Al Alawi and Noora Sheereda, was given a new lease of life when she became the beneficiary of a breakthrough medical procedure in Bahrain to remove a massive and aggressive tumor in her right cheek last May.

The landmark medical operation, the first of its kind in Bahrain, was done at the King Hamad University Hospita (KHUH), a world-class and cutting edge facility ready to be a center for medical excellence in the Middle East. The KHUH is one of the few centers in the world that has the facilities to do such complicated and expensive medical procedures.

The 38-year old Filipina underwent a resection surgery of the entire lower right side of her jaw where the large tumor was growing. The removal of the tumor also caused part of her jaw to be removed which was then replaced with a 3-D printed titanium jawbone created specifically to match her facial features.

The surgical team was led by KHUH Maxillofacial Surgery consultant Dr. Ranjit Divakaran and Plastic Surgery consultant Dr. Ashraf El Shayed, Consultant. Under the traditional method, bone from other parts Ms. Grandusa’s body (leg or ribs) would have to be harvested but this would result in very different and unnatural facial features. In addition, the bone from the other parts of the body could also lead to complications. On the other hand, the 3-D printed jaw is a perfect replica, restoring the Filipina’s face to practically its original shape.

Ms. Grandusa expressed her wholehearted appreciation to the medical team for their skill and to her employer and the KHUH for footing the entire cost of the surgery. The Filipina’s generous employer was ready to cover the expenses for the treatment in the Philippines but decided to go to KHUH for the landmark surgery.

For his part, Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso Ver thanked KHUH Chief Executive Officer and Commander Major General (Dr.) Salman Al Khalifa for his and the entire hospital’s benevolence. Maj. Gen. Al Khalifa told the Ambassador that he has strict orders from the highest officials of Bahrain to extend assistance to Filipinos who come to the KHUH especially for emergency and extraordinary cases. Ambassador Ver was also given a tour of the KHUH, including its flagship Oncology Center whose facilities and expertise could rival the best hospitals in the world. END

From left, Mr. Ali Al Alawi, Dr. Ashraf El Shayed, Ms. Grandusa, KHUH’s PR department’s First Lieutenant Ahmed Al Tamimi Dr. Divakaran, and Filipino KHUH staff Rosalie Nochefranca (far right). (Manama PE photo)

Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso Ver with KHUH Chief Executive Officer and Commander Major General (Dr.) Salman Al Khalifa. (Manama PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.manamape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinBahrain.