Operation gives tot hope for normal life

From: Daily Star, Lebanon
Nov. 24, 2002

2-year-old should now be able to hear, speak

Nafez Kawas
Daily Star correspondent

After two years of being deaf and mute, Carine Keyrouz is now able to hear
and talk due to a cochlear implant operation last week.

A statement issued by first lady's office said that on Nov. 21, 2-year-old
Carine underwent a complicated operation at the Lebanese Canadian Hospital
in Sin al-Fil, in the presence of Andree Lahoud.

"Lahoud was present during the operation in an attempt to follow up the
child's health conditions and to examine the operation's results," the
statement added.

Last month, the patient and her doctor Bernard Wana, had visited Lahoud, who
examined the patient's medical file and expressed her willingness to finance
the operation.

Wana, along with two specialists from abroad, called the implant a success.

"The operation took more than two hours, and will enable Keyrouz to hear and
talk in a period of one year, after training and treatment," Wana said.

He explained that it was not the first time such an operation was undertaken
here, and that better results could be reached if the patient is five or
younger.

Wana expressed appreciation for Lahoud's efforts in helping sick children by
offering them a chance to live normal lives.

He also showed gratitude to Pan-Arab African Council of Ophthalmology
president, Akef al-Maghraby, who came here particularly to attend the
operation.

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