Life-Saving Specialized Surgery Rescues a Child with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
The medical team at Al-Mouwasat Hospital in Al-Khobar has successfully saved the life of a six-year-old girl who was suffering from a congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Upon the child's arrival at the hospital, necessary medical examinations revealed that most of the abdominal organs (stomach, spleen, colon, and part of the small intestine) were present inside the chest cavity, leading to severe complications on the organs and the left lung. Given the complexity of the case, with all the mentioned organs adhering to each other and to the lung membrane, a series of precise examinations and advanced radiological imaging (CT scans, MRI) were conducted.
After thoroughly explaining the condition to the patient's family and notifying them of the potential complications, several meetings were held by the surgical medical team, which consisted of Dr. Fatima Fatori (Pediatric Surgery Consultant), Dr. Hossam Abtar (General Surgery Consultant), and Dr. Christian Georges (Vascular Surgery Consultant). They made the decision to perform the intricate surgical procedure to save the child's life despite its high risk.
The main challenge in this surgical operation was the complex and highly probable complications due to the large size of the hernia (8 cm), necessitating its repair and the placement of a special and advanced mesh to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Additionally, there were severe adhesions between the organs themselves and between them and the left lung. Moreover, the presence of the spleen inside the chest cavity, along with the arteries supplying it, made the task difficult as there was a high risk of spleen damage and the need for its removal. Other possible risks included stomach perforation, acute bleeding, lung membrane tear, and damage to the arteries supplying the organs.
By the grace of god, the complex procedure was successfully performed with meticulous precision. The organs were separated while preserving their integrity, and the hernia was corrected and reinforced with a mesh.
Thanks to Allah, the child recovered and was discharged from the hospital only one week after the surgical procedure without any complications, in good health.
The supervising surgical medical team emphasized that the close collaboration among specialized surgeons at Al-Mouwasat Hospital in Al-Khobar, along with the availability of various modern and advanced equipment and techniques, has led to the successful execution of such complex surgeries. This falls in line with Al-Mouwasat Medical Services Company's vision to provide the highest levels of medical technologies, specialized professionals, and top-of-line medical care for all of our patients.
