Doctor practices the art of surgery
A surgical team has gone back to basics to better communicate with patients the complex surgical procedures they undergo during reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer.
Dr Mayram Bennani has been putting her love of drawing to good use by producing illustrations that give patients a better understanding of what will happen prior to surgery.
Surgeon Abdul Ahmed said: “The result of most surgery is hidden to the eye but major head and neck procedures can have a huge physical and psychological impact on individuals.
“The procedures are long and complex and getting that message across to patients about what it entails can be quite abstract when you are talking about removing part of a cancerous jaw and replacing it, for example, with bone from your leg.
“Real-life images are often graphic and confusing to a non-medical eye and we’ve found simple illustrations far easier for patients to grasp.”
To date, Mayram has produced several drawings for the maxillofacial department at Northwick Park Hospital with plans to produce a digital book of the most common procedures using an application called AutoDesk.
Maryam added: “I’ve always liked drawing. It takes several hours to complete an illustration but I enjoy it and if that paints a better picture for patients it is worth it.”