‘Miracle’ surgery saves child

Abu Dhabi: A five-month-old Pakistani boy survived a rare life-threatening condition known as biliary atresia thanks to a successful surgery performed in Abu Dhabi.

The surgery, the first of its kind to be performed at a private hospital in the UAE, was carried out after the child’s bile ducts were blocked, preventing digestive liquids produced by the liver from being released. Consequently, digestive liquid built up in the liver and caused scarring and damage.

“It’s almost like a miracle. Along with the parents the whole medical team is feeling very elated because of how the surgery went, and we feel blessed with the outcome,” said Dr Ameen Al Gohary, Consultant, Paediatric Surgery, at Burjeel Hospital.

Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Al Gohary explained that in most cases the infant child is treated within 30 to 40 days after being diagnosed with the disease, and that performing the medical operation when the baby is five months old is largely unheard of.

The infant’s parents also expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the efforts of Dr Al Gohary and the hospital.

“We have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy and we were shaken by the possibility of losing him,” said Mohammad Kiani, the child’s father.

“Dr Ameen and his medical team at Burjeel Hospital gave our boy a chance of life and gave us the chance to be parents. Having our son with us now is a miracle from Almighty Allah and we will cherish every moment with him,” he added.