Benguela — At least 776 patients have undergone reconstructive plastic surgery over the last 12 months in the Benguela General Hospital (central Angola) that started such operations in August 2011.

The information was released by Uzbekistan plastic surgeon, Ahad Kodirov, who told Angop 90 percent of the patients bear lesions associated with burns sustained during childhood or as adults and contractures

The physician also said his Benguela Hospital team is working on four kinds of reconstructive plastic surgeries, being the first linked to hand, followed by burns, contracture and aesthetics.

With this kind of service, Angola that in the past used to send patients abroad, especially in Germany, has a lot to gain, as most countries have no reconstructive plastic surgery specialists, the physician said.

Ahad Kodirov also stated that all patients with lesions, burns and congenital abnormalities, can now get rehabilitated in the country free of charge, with the Benguela hospital currently using methods and techniques used in Germany, United States, Russia and Uzbekistan.

According to information, 30 to 40 patients are admitted daily in the Benguela hospital's first aid unit. Of that number at least two to three are operated with the aid of Angolan nurses.