South African man travels to New Jersey for Phrenic Nerve Surgery by Dr. Matthew Kaufman
SHREWSBURY, N.J., July 9, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- It is not an easy decision to choose to travel out-of-country to have nerve surgery. But, for Timothy Davis of South Africa, it was the only option. Davis, 68, developed Dengue fever from a mosquito bite in 2015 while he was traveling in the Philippines. This virus caused persistent vomiting, so severe that it resulted in a paralyzed left diaphragm and damage to the phrenic nerve.
The phrenic nerve controls function of the diaphragm muscle- the primary muscle involved in breathing. Many patients who suffer from phrenic nerve injuries are told by physicians that they simply must live with it.
Fortunately, Davis came into contact with a retired US Navy surgeon who did some research and found Dr. Matthew Kaufman, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Matthew Kaufman offers hope to patients who have run out of breath and need answers. He spoke to Davis and instructed him to have the required testing in order to confirm his injury and determine if he was a candidate for surgery.
After two years of living with this impairment, Davis traveled to The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction in New Jersey to have his Phrenic Nerve surgery. This unique procedure utilizes nerve surgery techniques to repair the damaged phrenic nerve and restore function to the diaphragm. He is feeling better already- just a few weeks post-op!
For Davis, it was shocking that the doctors he saw in South Africa lacked knowledge on diaphragm paralysis and treatment options.
"Where I come from in South Africa, the doctors have no idea about this procedure or how to rectify phrenic nerve damage," says Davis, "We're trying now to introduce this to the South African medical professionals."
Dr. Matthew Kaufman of The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction has performed over 500 Phrenic Nerve surgeries, for patients all over the country and the world! Dr. Kaufman has seen a great success rate with these surgeries, and it is only getting better the more surgeries he performs.
"You always aim for 100 percent success; obviously, no one gets that. That being said, full function (of the phrenic nerve) is the goal I hope for. But if someone gets even 50 percent improvement in diaphragm function, his or her life is going to be better," Dr. Kaufman says.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit: advancedreconstruction.com or call at 732-741-0970
Media Contact: Christina Halper - Gorini, The Plastic Surgery Center, 7324961118, [email protected]
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SOURCE The Plastic Surgery Center
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