Bosnian teenager returns to GOSH for further life-changing facial surgery

Bosnian teenager Stefan Savic has returned to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for more life-changing facial surgery, 10 years after first undergoing a major reconstructive operation at the London hospital.

Stefan, who was born with a severe facial cleft, first came to London for surgery under GOSH’s Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Mr David Dunaway, in 2003.

The youngster and his family would not have been able to afford the trip and procedure without the kindness and fundraising efforts of British soldier Wayne Ingram, who met Stefan while on a military tour of Bosnia and felt compelled to help.

Wayne said: “When I met Stefan and saw his facial deformity, it spurred me on to try and help him as much as I could. In Bosnia he would not have had this surgery – that was made very clear – and I wanted Stefan to have the same opportunities as every other child of his age.”

During Stefan’s first surgical procedure at GOSH in 2003, Mr Dunaway and his team performed an extensive 12-hour operation which involved removing a large block of excess bone from the centre of Stefan’s face and then moving his eye sockets and the two sides of his nose closer together.

The operation was a success and Stefan bounced back from the surgery quickly, but Mr Dunaway explained to the family that Stefan would require follow-up surgery as he grew older.

Now, 10 years on, Wayne Ingram has come to the family’s aid once again by raising more funds to enable 15-year-old Stefan, his mother Slavenka and aunt Dzejna to return to Great Ormond Street and Mr Dunaway’s care.

The latest surgery, which Stefan underwent on Saturday 3 May, involved replacing some of the metal components from the previous surgery and also further reconstructive work on Stefan’s nose to improve his breathing and create a more regular shape.

Commenting on the surgery, Mr David Dunaway said:

“I first met Stefan 10 years ago when he was just a little four-year-old boy, but his determination and endearing character left a lasting impression on me.

“I have often wondered how he has been getting on since then, so it’s wonderful to see Stefan now as a happy, confident young man – and the aim of this latest surgery was to improve his quality of life even further.

“The operation lasted about four hours and involved replacing some of the metalwork that we inserted into Stefan’s face in his first operation 10 years ago, which has shifted slightly as his skull has grown and changed over time. We also further corrected the shape of Stefan’s nose, which involved a cartilage graft and nasal reconstruction.”

Mr Dunaway added: “It’s extremely rewarding to offer this kind of procedure to a young person who would have little or no chance of receiving it otherwise. Stefan was in a difficult position overseas with a very small window of opportunity to get to Great Ormond Street Hospital for this surgery. But thanks to the determination of his family, the tireless efforts of Wayne Ingram and Stefan’s own strength of character, we’ve been able to transform his life with this surgery and give him the opportunities he deserves.”

Speaking after the surgery, Stefan said: “I’m feeling good and the surgery went really well. It helped that it was with Mr Dunaway again because I knew I was in safe hands.”

Stefan’s mum, Slavenka, said: “This latest surgery is just as important for Stefan as the first time around. He starts secondary school in September and will be meeting new friends, so we wanted him to have this surgery before he starts this next stage of his life.”

Commenting on Wayne Ingram’s fundraising efforts, Slavenka added: “Our family has a really firm bond with Wayne. Ever since he first helped us 10 years ago, he has been a part of our family and a great friend.”

Stefan and his family have also received significant help from UK charity Facing the World, who have provided accommodation for the family’s stay in London and assisted with the travel arrangements.

To make a donation to the Stefan Savic Appeal, to help the family with further follow-up care for Stefan, please visit: www.stefansavicappeal.com