What Life-Changing Surgery Looks Like: Shamo’s Story

Swisscross orthopedic surgeons, Dr Sarkhell Radha and Dr Ahmed Berzenji follow-up with Shamo, who can once again walk and is looking for work, following reconstructive surgery at the Swisscross Centre in Erbil.

“I could only walk by using crutches or by using wheelchairs. I could not work…I could not even drink a cup of tea.”

Shamo was an independent farmer, who looked after his family and provided for his loved ones.

In 2019 he was involved in a road traffic accident, which left him with acetabular fractures - fractures of the pelvis, leading to years of infection and debilitation.

Shamo’s x-rays before (L) and after (R) the pelvic bones reconstruction and the total hip replacement.

Shamo lost his job and was unable to provide for his family.

Living in Shekhan camp in Dohuk, Shamo is a Kurdish Yazidi from Sinjar, who had to leave his home following the invasion of his homeland by Isis.

After his accident and being unable to work, his family while living in Shekhan camp were able to collect money for his operation, which cost 5 million Iraqi dinars, equivalent to USD4000.

Shamo said: “Then after one year I dislocated my fixator (metal plate in the pelvis), Because in the winter it’s cold and in the summer it becomes hot. [I had] a very strong infection.”

Shamo had to pay another 1 million Iraqi dinar (USD800) to have the fixator removed in 2021: “I could only walk by using crutches or by using wheelchairs. I could not work…I could not even drink a cup of tea.”

Shamo remained in this state till March 2023 - living with a permanent disability, dependent on family and unable to work.

Shamo during his pre-operation consultation in March 2023.

In March 2023 he was referred to Swisscross through the Barzani Charity Foundation. 

Swisscross orthopedic surgeons, Dr Sarkhell Radha and Dr Ahmed Berzenji performed a pelvic  reconstruction of his bones and a total hip replacement. This was one of the first hip replacements to be performed at Swisscross Centre.

Sitting with the two surgeons who provided the life-changing surgery, Shamo said: “I can walk now without crutches and I can walk for 100 meters and I don’t even take rest. I can drive now and can even work. Thank God, I am so good, with your dedication. God bless you.”

To support Swisscross in providing life-changing surgeries to displaced people like Shamo, please consider donating here.

VIDEO & TRANSLATION BY: Dr Sarezh Saber, Swisscross Field Officer.