Complex thyroid goiters–or an enlarged thyroid gland caused by multiple lumps in the thyroid tissue–are strikingly common in Uganda. Caused primarily by iodine deficiency, studies suggest goiters impact more than 60 percent of the country’s population, with visible goiters affecting 30 percent of those in rural communities. But despite its prevalence, access to health care for these goiters is often limited.

Operation International is committed to changing that. In late May, one of the organization’s newest teams helped dozens of individuals in need of these complex thyroid or other head and neck surgeries get the care that they need. In all, Team Heart of Texas performed 86 surgeries during just a week in the country, including 35 thyroid and head and neck procedures.

“The most profound takeaway from this trip was the humbling and rewarding experience of using my skills and knowledge to provide life-changing medical care to people in Rakai who, for some, had waited decades for treatment,” said ENT Resident Travis Denna, MD. “The ability to offer a cure in just a few hours is a powerful reminder of the impact your work can have in a resource-limited setting.”

Dr. Denna was among 16 volunteers, many of whom were new to Operation International, that joined Team Heart of Texas’ inaugural mission. Team Heart of Texas was founded in 2024 by Dr. Evan Longfield (ENT, Head and Neck surgeon), Kati Davenport (ENT nurse practitioner), and Dr. Ryan Raju (ENT, Head and Neck surgeon).

Of course, the trip was not without its obstacles. On the first day in Uganda, the team hit a snag when 40 bags of their medical supplies were confiscated when going through customs. The team immediately had to adapt as they began screening hundreds of patients, including more than 40 complex thyroid goiter cases, who needed care.

“While waiting for the rest of our supplies, we had to triage cases that didn’t require the specialized equipment we had brought with us,” said Dr. Longfield in a mission report. “The team battled the challenging electrical system of the hospital and regular power outages, along with limited supplies. We all learned flexibility and adaptability through the process.”

The rest of the equipment eventually arrived at the hospital on Day 5 of the mission, allowing the team to begin tackling the increasingly complex thyroid cases. The equipment included nerve monitoring supplies essential to efficient and effective surgeries.

“For the first time, the people of Rakai had access to modern thyroid surgical techniques,” Dr. Longfield said. “This equipment markedly improved our safety and confidence for managing these patients’ care.”

As the Head and Neck surgical teams worked on the thyroid cases, Dr. Joseph Lewis, the team’s general surgeon and the leader of OI’s Team Florida, tackled large complex hernias and large lower extremity sarcomas.

Despite long hours in the operating room, the team also made time to visit two of Operation International’s orphanages in Uganda. Volunteers distributed donated clothes to children and took note of “how the organization gives children without families the opportunity to better their lives.”

In all, Team Heart of Texas’ first medical mission in Uganda lasted eight days, but provided care and memories to last both its patients and volunteers a lifetime.

“For a team mostly comprised of first time volunteers, our members performed extremely well. I am so proud of everyone who joined us,” Dr. Longfield said. “Uganda and the people of Rakai profoundly touched our team. We can’t wait to return and continue the good work of providing free surgical care to those in need.”

As anesthetist Crystal Ike put it, “Ultimately, I think the most valuable experience was - we were mostly strangers, coming together for a mission - and through many challenges and perseverance we not only built our foundation as Team HoT but we all can't wait to do it again, together.”

Team Heart of Texas was supported by Baylor Scott and White: Faith in Action, Medtronic, SOS International Inc, MAP International, Orthomed Anesthesia LLC, Jen Doty Sidney Health Center, Rita Hoelting, Tammy Thavaradhara, Yvy Mandamiento, Kelly Holtman, Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, Ronin Foundation, Linda Johnson, Jason Acevedo, Yoko Sugimoto, Mike Jackson, Obi Ike, Davis Fam, and many others.