site.btaBulgarian Hospital Performs First Surgery on "Butterfly Child"

A child with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare inherited disorder commonly known as "butterfly disease", has undergone surgery for the first time in Bulgaria at the Pirogov University Emergency Hospital, the hospital said on Saturday.

The operation on the boy's hands was performed jointly by specialists from Pirogov's Burn and Plastic-Reconstructive Surgery Clinic and Associate Professor Dr Paige Fox of Stanford Medicine, in partnership with DEBRA Bulgaria, a patient organization for people with epidermolysis bullosa.

The procedure aims to significantly improve the patient's hand function and quality of life. The boy has already been discharged and is recovering at home, with rehabilitation planned.

The surgery was part of a two-day specialist seminar, experience-sharing programme and professional discussions at Pirogov. The operation was broadcast live for attending medical professionals.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic condition that makes the skin and mucous membranes extremely fragile, causing painful blisters and wounds from even minor friction. In severe cases, it can lead to deformities of the hands and feet, fusion of the fingers and toes, and significant disability. According to Pirogov, specialized reconstructive surgery delivered by a multidisciplinary team is essential to preserving patients' mobility and independence.