KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus Undergoes Skin Grafting Procedure on Face
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) has provided an update on the condition of Andrie Yunus. The KontraS activist, who was a victim of an acid attack, has undergone a skin grafting procedure on his face.
Jane Rosalina, Head of the Impunity Monitoring Division at KontraS, revealed that Andrie underwent further medical procedures on Tuesday (17/3) to remove dead skin tissue.
“This treatment was applied to all areas affected by burns, with the primary priority on the face, including skin grafting on the face,” Jane stated during a press conference in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (18/3).
Meanwhile, on the neck, chest, and right arm, Andrie still has fairly deep wounds, so skin grafting cannot yet be performed in those areas.
“This surgical procedure may need to be done more than once. Therefore, we ask for prayers and solidarity from all friends for the recovery and healing of our colleague, Andrie Yunus,” Jane said.
Based on medical assessments from the National General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM), Andrie suffered burns covering about 20% of his body area, as well as chemical trauma to his right eye with a severity degree of 3 in the acute phase.
This condition caused a decrease in vision and damage to the cornea at the initial incident.
“However, we are fortunate that Andrie Yunus’s condition has improved and has been handled very well by the doctors and hospital staff,” Jane said.
Jane continued that Andrie has undergone cleaning of damaged tissue on his right eye. In addition, he has received an amniotic membrane transplant to protect the eye surface.
Currently, Andrie is being treated in the High Care Unit at RSCM. The medical team handling him consists of ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, reconstructive plastic surgeons, and the emergency medical team.
Jane emphasised that the patient, legal representatives, and family have prohibited visits from anyone.
“This is done not only for security reasons but also for the patient’s right to receive higher quality health services, as well as protection in accordance with patient rights guaranteed by law,” Jane said.
In line with Jane’s statement, the RSCM press release on Wednesday (18/3) revealed that AY has undergone surgical procedures involving tissue cleaning to remove damaged skin tissue and partial skin grafting.
The patient’s right eye area experienced damage to about 40% of corneal stem cells. The medical team installed an amniotic membrane and provided anti-inflammatory therapy to protect the eye surface and support the healing process.
The patient’s eye condition is now reported to be stable. The corneal stem cells are also beginning to show signs of recovery, although the epithelialisation process (skin tissue repair process) is still under further monitoring.