In March, Khadim returned to the Russian city of Krasnodar for the final stage of his treatment. During this final phase, he underwent reconstruction of the corners of his lips and the upper right eyelid, as well as lipofilling of the central part of his face.
There were no complications, and the young man and his father, who has been by his side all these months, will also be able to return to Senegal.
'Incompatible Methods That Worked'
As for the first operations in August and September last year, Khadim was taken to Krasnodar. First to the WMT high-tech clinic, then to the emergency hospital. Specialists from the latter performed the operations, while specialists from another facility monitored Khadim during his recovery.
Recalling the operation that enabled the young man to regain his face, the surgeon described it as "unique". In fact, it required the use of several methods "that are very rarely used together," explained Alexey Dikarev, an oncologist and plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
"It was impossible to use two different skin flaps for the lower and upper jaw. In this case, the patient would not be able to open and close his mouth normally," he explained.
A piece of Khadim's skin was used to rebuild the middle part of his face, while doctors chose a titanium prosthesis for his lower jaw, the specialist added.
There are only a few countries that are able to produce such implants, but Russia is one of them, and the Khadim plate was custom-made, Dikarev continued.
Fruitful Break
After the initial operations to close the 12-centimetre wound on the right side of Khadim's face, it took several months to continue the reconstruction.
The young man and his father spent this time in Russia's city of St. Petersburg, where Khadim took up painting again, which became for him a way out and a great way to occupy his days. This activity became a daily routine and it honed his skills. He enjoys coming up with new ideas for his creations and bringing them to life on canvas.
The young Senegalese's paintings were appreciated by the artistic director of the famous St Petersburg gallery, according to the Mila4Africa charitable foundation, which sponsored Khadim and his father's stay in Russia.
Long-Awaited Return
Khadim described the outcome of his treatment as "excellent," and after a period of recovery he will be reunited with his mother and five sisters in his homeland. At the moment, Khadim is struggling to look to the future, but he wants to work to help his family.
It was decided to put Khadim's paintings up for sale. With the funds raised, the Mila4Africa Foundation will support other children and families in need in Senegal.