University at Buffalo’s Dr. Michael Markiewicz led a life-saving procedure on a newborn in Tel Aviv, Israel.
The newborn, who was struggling to breathe and was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, faced immediate respiratory challenges, the university said. This rare craniofacial condition often necessitates a tracheostomy, which is the standard solution in Israel. This contrasts with the approach in the United States, where mandibular distraction is typically performed within the first few weeks of life to avoid a tracheostomy.
However, the baby’s parents advocated for the advanced alternative: mandibular distraction.
At their insistence, Sheba Medical Center, ranked among the world’s top hospitals, reached out to Dr. Markiewicz, a leading expert in pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery. After a swift coordination of logistics, including fast-tracked immigration documents, Markiewicz and his assistant, Dr. Jessica Li, arrived in Tel Aviv to perform the surgery on July 25, just days after receiving the call.
The three-hour procedure involved small incisions on the infant’s neck to attach hardware that gradually lengthens the lower jaw, alleviating airway obstruction. Remarkably, the baby was breathing independently and feeding within days, avoiding the invasive tracheostomy.
Surgeon hopes for paradigm change
“My hope is that the success of this surgery changes the paradigm in Israel, and they’ll start doing mandibular distraction on young infants just like we do in the U.S.,” said Markiewicz, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Sheba Medical Center’s surgical team expressed eagerness to adopt the technique, marking a step forward in pediatric care for rare craniofacial conditions.
Markiewicz, who also serves as clinical co-director at Buffalo’s Laurence C. Wright Craniofacial Center, has performed dozens of these procedures but noted the profound satisfaction of collaborating internationally to save a life. “In a time of global turmoil, working together to help this child was deeply rewarding,” he reflected.
The infant’s recovery continues in Israel, with plans for future surgeries to address a cleft palate. Meanwhile, Markiewicz hopes this success story inspires broader adoption of early mandibular distraction, ensuring more children worldwide can breathe and thrive without invasive interventions.
