Seventeen-year-old Rhys, who had been subjected to years of teasing about his appearance, was moved to tears when he realised everything had changed for him. The young rugby player suffered from a chest deformity called pectus excavatum, which not only affected his physical appearance but also caused breathing difficulties. Rhys, admitting that he didn’t feel comfortable with how he looked, shared the impact it had on his self-esteem and mental health over the years.
In a new documentary series titled “Saving Lives in Cardiff,” viewers got an inside look into the daily lives of healthcare professionals at south Wales hospitals, highlighting their challenges and successes. The focus of one episode was on Rhys and his journey with pectus excavatum. Lead thoracic surgeon, Malgorzata Kornaszewska, played a crucial role in performing a life-changing operation for Rhys on the NHS, making her the only specialist in Wales to offer this surgery.
Rhys had waited for two years for his surgery, during which time the condition had put pressure on his heart and lungs, impacting his overall well-being. The surgery was particularly challenging for Rhys, as the ideal age for pectus surgery is typically younger. However, after being granted a slot at the University Hospital of Wales, Rhys underwent the surgery. The result left him overwhelmed with emotion as he broke down in tears, with his mother reassuring him that his chest looked amazing.
Following the successful operation, Rhys expressed his happiness and gratitude, stating that his life had been turned around. Surgeon Malgorzata highlighted the rewarding aspect of seeing the positive impact on patients like Rhys. The documentary aims to shed light on the transformative impact of such surgeries on individuals’ lives.
“Saving Lives in Cardiff” is available to watch on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, providing a touching narrative of the resilience and dedication of healthcare professionals in changing lives for the better. For more TV and showbiz news, viewers are encouraged to sign up for the latest updates.