A Cuban oral and maxillofacial surgeon captured hearts at the Pepe Portilla Pediatric Hospital in Pinar del Río with a touching act. After completing surgery, he carried a young patient on his back, fulfilling a promise he made to gain the child's trust prior to the operation.
The surgeon, Dr. Luis Enrique Torres Rodríguez, shared the heartfelt moment on Facebook, posting two photos and recounting the story of the young boy diagnosed with a condition that affected his ability to articulate certain sounds.
According to Dr. Torres, the child suffers from partial ankyloglossia, a condition that restricts tongue movement due to a short or tight lingual frenulum. This can sometimes impede speech articulation.
The Power of Trust and Teamwork
The procedure was initially set to be performed under general anesthesia. However, the trust developed between the medical team and the young patient allowed them to proceed using local anesthesia, as detailed by Dr. Torres.
"The entire team established such a caring bond that we could perform the procedure with local anesthesia," Torres explained in his post.
While the collective effort of the healthcare professionals was crucial, it was the doctor's post-surgery gesture that became the most cherished moment of the day.
Promises Kept: A Doctor's Special Bond
Prior to the surgery, the surgeon had promised the boy a piggyback ride—a playful gesture often shared between adults and children. True to his word, once the surgery was successfully completed, he carried the boy on his back.
"Promises to children must be fulfilled," the doctor wrote, explaining the reason behind the photos.
Dr. Torres accompanied his post with a reflection on the significance of treating young patients with empathy and warmth, especially when facing medical procedures that might cause them fear.
"What wouldn't one do in this life to please a child, especially when it's about a health issue," he expressed.
The images sparked numerous reactions of admiration and gratitude on Facebook, with users commending both the surgeon's demeanor and the team's collective effort in the procedure.
Community Reactions and Reflections
One user stated, "No first-world technology can replace love," while wishing that the doctor's hands continue to heal patients.
Another user praised the human touch shown to the child, "What a humane gesture from that team with that child, especially the one carrying him."
Comments further highlighted that medical care goes beyond the technical execution of procedures—it includes providing emotional support and ensuring patients feel secure.
"Beautiful gesture, doctor. It's wonderful how you enjoy your work by bringing smiles back to children," another person expressed.
Among the responses was a mother's testimony, who shared that the same specialist had operated on her child previously, expressing heartfelt gratitude.
"You operated on my child, and I couldn't be more grateful and pleased," she wrote, wishing health and blessings for the doctor and his team.
Another individual acknowledged the dedication of Cuban professionals but also referenced the challenges faced by the country's healthcare system, remarking, "It's a shame we face so many national difficulties," while praising the doctors' ability to work despite adverse conditions.
Notable Achievements at Pepe Portilla Pediatric Hospital
The Pepe Portilla Pediatric Hospital has witnessed other remarkable interventions in recent years. In September 2026, a multidisciplinary team performed a percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the first time—a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones previously unpracticed at the center.
Earlier in April, neurosurgeons at the same hospital operated on a one-year-old girl with a brain tumor causing hydrocephalus. The approximately six-hour surgery allowed the complete removal of the lesion, according to reports at the time.
Insights into Pediatric Medical Care in Cuba
What condition did the boy suffer from?
The boy was diagnosed with partial ankyloglossia, which limits tongue movement due to a short or restrictive lingual frenulum, potentially affecting speech articulation.
Why was the surgery initially planned under general anesthesia?
The surgery was initially planned under general anesthesia, but the trust built between the medical team and the boy allowed it to be performed using local anesthesia instead.
What was the significance of the doctor's gesture after surgery?
The doctor's gesture of carrying the boy on his back fulfilled a promise and highlighted the importance of emotional support and trust in pediatric care.