15-year-old Romanian citizen Andrea Timeea Mitrea was saved from lymphatic filariasis by undergoing a 15-hour surgery in Istanbul. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın, a specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, explained that they transplanted six lymph nodes from Andrea's neck to both of her legs. He noted that this approach is a world first and that the Romanian patient’s case will enter the medical literature.

First High Heels from the Doctor

According to DHA news, 15-year-old Andrea Timeea Mitrea from Romania developed lymphedema at just 14 years old due to a congenital circulatory disorder in both of her legs. As her condition progressed over time, Andrea's feet began to swell continuously, and she was unable to walk like her peers. Her condition, which was advancing towards 'filariasis,' led her family to seek help from various medical professionals in their home country, as well as in Germany, France, and even the United States.

Andrea Timeea Mitrea, a 15-year-old from Romania, needed lymph node transplants from another part of her body to her legs. However, due to the complexity of affecting both legs, no surgeon was willing to undertake the procedure. Her family reached out to Prof. Dr. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın, a renowned Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon known for his groundbreaking work in lymph node transplants and successful separation of Siamese twins.

Upon discovering that Andrea could be treated in Turkey, her family traveled to Istanbul. In a groundbreaking 15-hour surgery conducted last April, Prof. Dr. Karaaltın performed a six-level lymph node transplant from Andrea’s neck to both of her legs. Having previously achieved a milestone with a three-level lymph node transplant, Karaaltın noted that Andrea’s six-level procedure set a new record in the field, making her case the first of its kind globally and a significant contribution to medical literature.

After the surgery, Andrea, who came in for her final check-up, expressed her joy about finally being able to wear high heels, a dream she had long held. Prof. Dr. Karaaltın promised to personally purchase her first pair of high heels, adding an extra touch of celebration to her milestone.