Ramsay Newsroom

The award-winning case involved Brigitte Do, a shark attack survivor from New Caledonia who sustained rare and life-changing injuries when she was bitten by a shark in 2023. Ms Do was transferred to Westmead Private Hospital for highly complex, multi-stage reconstructive surgery.

Over six months, Dr Soliman and his team performed 18 operations including reconstituting Ms Do’s thigh using muscles from her back and arm, reconstructing her hand using a toe, and advanced nerve surgery to reduce phantom pain and prepare her for future prosthetics.

“It’s very rare to see such extensive and unusual injuries,” Dr Soliman said at the time. “Her case involved major nerve loss, limb reconstruction and innovative surgical planning, all delivered with a shared determination to preserve her independence and quality of life.”

Dr Soliman said sharing Ms Do’s story on the global stage was a proud and humbling moment.

“This was an opportunity to showcase not just the surgical complexity of the case, but the exceptional teamwork, care and innovation that happens every day at Westmead Private Hospital. We’re honoured to have represented our hospital and Australia in such a meaningful way.”

The Congress of the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery brings together renowned microsurgeons from around the world with a focus on cutting-edge scientific discourse.