A New Pediatric Pain Center Launches in Lviv
The Saint Nicholas Children's Hospital in Lviv has inaugurated Ukraine’s very first specialized Pain Center dedicated to children suffering from acute and chronic pain following serious injuries, surgeries, and wounds. This groundbreaking facility was inspired by the treatment journey of 11-year-old Sofia from Ternopil region, who endured a life-threatening traffic accident and an extensive recovery. Leading the center is anesthesiologist Andreas Vyatrovskyi, who applies advanced pain management techniques to accelerate healing and improve quality of life for young patients.
Sofia’s Story
On December 10, 2025, Sofia was struck by a truck while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk. The accident caused devastating injuries, including shattered pelvic, thigh, and shin bones, with a critical risk of amputating her right leg. Initially treated at the Ternopil Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Sofia received three Ilizarov apparatuses to stabilize her fractures. On December 16, 2025, she was transferred to Saint Nicholas Hospital in Lviv, where she spent four months in intensive care followed by surgical wards. During this period, Sofia underwent multiple skin graft surgeries to repair extensive soft tissue damage and endured nearly 60 anesthesia procedures.
"Sofia arrived with shattered bones and severe tissue injuries. She suffered intense pain that prevented even the slightest movement in bed, let alone rehabilitation. Once we applied regional nerve blocks and achieved effective pain control, her condition improved rapidly: healing sped up and she regained mobility. Cases like hers motivated us to establish the Pain Center,"
Andreas Vyatrovskyi
The center brings together a multidisciplinary team including anesthesiologists, surgeons, traumatologists, physical therapists, and psychologists. "Our collaborative approach addresses both acute postoperative pain and chronic pain following complex injuries. By utilizing regional blocks, modern sedation, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and pressotherapy, we offer comprehensive care that helps children return to normal life more quickly," Vyatrovskyi explained.
This Pain Center provides crucial support for children experiencing severe postoperative and chronic pain, a need that has become even more urgent amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where many young patients suffer from severe mine and explosive injuries. The project was made possible with support from the Government of Flanders, which supplied state-of-the-art pain management equipment, and the CodeLions For Ukraine foundation, which provided essential computer technology. Today, Sofia has returned home with her wounds healed, though scars remain.
The launch of this Pain Center marks a vital advancement in specialized pediatric care for children enduring unbearable pain. Given the current war context, where injured children require exceptional medical and emotional support, this center is poised to play a key role in their rehabilitation. The multidisciplinary model not only alleviates physical suffering but also nurtures emotional wellbeing, both critical for full recovery.