In a heartwarming success story that bridges borders, team of doctors at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, recently transformed the life of a 7-year-old girl from Yemen facing a severe condition known as neurogenic bladder and bowel. This condition had left the young girl unable to pass urine and bowel movements on her own, leaving her reliant on diapers—a challenging situation for any child.
The multidisciplinary team of paediatric super-specailists- Dr. Hussain Kotawala, Dr. Jamal Azmi, Dr. Taha Daginawala, Dr. Amish Vora, Dr. Majid Saiyed (paediatric surgeons & urologists, paediatric intensive care & paediatric anaesthesia), the resident doctors at Saifee Hospital and the nursing staff who worked together to achieve this feat of complex surgery and postoperative recovery at Saifee Hospital. Neurogenic bladder and bowel issues make it difficult for children to control their bathroom functions, often affecting their ability to participate in everyday activities, and it can deeply impact their confidence. The young girl’s condition was especially severe, and her family had traveled a long distance seeking a solution that could restore her ability to lead a more independent, carefree life. Surgeons performed a complex yet groundbreaking procedure called bladder augmentation, using a section of the child’s intestine to expand her bladder. In addition, they created a concealed passage for enema, allowing her to manage bowel movements with greater ease. These surgeries have given her newfound control over her body, letting her experience social continence for 4-5 hours at a time—enough for school, play, and outings with friends. For the girl and her family, this operation has brought immense relief and hope. “It’s as if her life has started fresh,” shared her father. “Now she can do things we never thought possible before. Dr. Kotawala explained, “Our goal was to improve her quality of life so she could enjoy her childhood like other children. Seeing her smile and resume her daily activities is the true reward. This story is one of many showing how advanced pediatric surgery can uplift children facing complex health issues. For families dealing with similar conditions, success with this procedure offers not only a medical solution but also a message of hope, resilience, and the possibility of a brighter future.
Children are bundles of energy and curiosity, but sometimes their actions, though innocent, can lead to serious consequences. This was evident in a recent case where a five-month-old baby sustained a severe head injury after being accidentally dropped by his five-year-old sister. The child suffered a skull fracture and an 80 ml epidural hematoma (EDH)—a life-threatening brain bleed. Immediate medical intervention was crucial, and the child underwent emergency surgery to address the bleeding and repair the damage.
Thankfully, the operation was successful, and the baby was discharged in stable condition, much to the relief of his family. This case serves as a powerful reminder to parents: infants should not be entrusted to young siblings. While it may seem adorable to let an older sibling hold or carry a baby, young children lack the strength, coordination, and judgment required to handle such responsibility. Accidents like this, though unintentional, can result in devastating injuries, including fractures, internal bleeding, or worse. Parents must always supervise interactions between older siblings and infants, ensuring the safety of both. Such preventive measures can protect your little ones and avoid the emotional and physical toll of serious accidents. Your children’s safety is in your hands—prioritize it with vigilance and care.
A recent adenotonsillectomy for a 10-year-old girl showcased the extraordinary adaptability and quick thinking of a surgical team. The procedure, performed on a healthy patient (ASA I), began routinely with a smooth nasotracheal intubation using a 5.5 ID PVC endotracheal tube (ETT). However, during surgery, the ENT surgeon identified a unique complication: the ETT had unexpectedly broken, with its distal segment lodged in the trachea.
The team’s immediate response highlighted their expertise. Despite challenging conditions, including limited visibility due to bleeding, they swiftly stabilized the patient’s oxygen levels using a smaller 3.5 ETT. Without access to a fiberoptic bronchoscope, the team embraced innovation. Imaging confirmed the position of the broken tube near the vocal cords, and a nephroscope, paired with a PCNL grasper, was expertly utilized to extract the fragment. The surgery proceeded seamlessly, and the patient was successfully re-intubated and ventilated. Post-procedure, the patient experienced brief laryngospasm during extubation, which was managed effectively. She made a full recovery and was discharged in stable condition the next day. This extraordinary case underscores the importance of teamwork, creativity, and preparedness in overcoming even the most unique challenges, ensuring the highest standards of patient care.