Injured in 2022 Strike, 11-Year-Old Roman Oleksiv Undergoes 37th Surgery During International Medical Mission in Lviv

The Journey of Roman Oleksiv

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Eleven-year-old Roman Oleksiv from Lviv has recently endured his 37th surgery over the past three years. An international team of surgeons is continuing the delicate reconstruction of his external ear and has now focused on restoring his nose. These procedures took place during the second global medical mission held in Lviv from September 14 to 18, 2026. Roman’s injuries resulted from a Russian missile strike on Vinnytsia on July 14, 2022, which tragically claimed the life of his 29-year-old mother, Halyna, a medic, along with 25 others. The boy suffered burns over 45% of his body and sustained internal organ damage. Since then, he has undergone numerous surgeries and spent more than 100 days in intensive care at the University Clinic in Dresden.

Details of the International Surgical Mission

During the mission in Lviv, six patients received surgical treatment. The medical team included specialists from Scotland, France, Switzerland, Turkey, New Zealand, and Ukraine. The first day was dedicated to consultations, followed by four days of reconstructive surgeries. Most procedures focused on:

• repairing damaged external ears;
• correcting congenital ear deformities.

For Roman, this marked the second phase of ear reconstruction-the first took place last year during the initial international mission. At that time, surgeons also released scar tissue on his hands that had limited joint movement.

This year, the surgical team also addressed nasal restoration. Following his injuries, Roman wore compression garments and a specialized mask while in Germany, which helped control scar growth and prepare his skin for plastic surgery. After rehabilitation, he returned to school, resumed ballroom dancing, and playing the accordion. By the end of 2024, he completed another treatment phase by removing his anti-scar mask.

Doctors from Lviv’s First Medical Association emphasized: “One surgery is never enough.”

The international team plans to continue supporting Roman’s recovery. Efforts are also underway to develop reconstructive surgery capabilities in Lviv.

Roman Oleksiv’s story highlights the critical role of international medical cooperation, particularly amid ongoing conflict, which has left many children and adults wounded. Reconstructive surgery plays a vital role not only in physical healing but also in improving the psychological well-being of trauma survivors. The ongoing collaboration of global medical experts in Lviv signals the growing importance of reconstructive surgery in Ukraine, offering hope and improved quality of life for those affected by war-related injuries.