On Saturday 27th November, a team of doctors from Soroti Regional Referral hospital led by Dr. Epodoi Joseph succesfully operated a six weeks baby boy with no anal opening.
The boy’s 19-year-old mother, Martha Odong from Tororo District says the child was first referred from Tororo Hospital to Mulago National Referral Hospital for proper management. She however chose to bring him to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital because she didn’t have enough money to go to Mulago.
Although it was a very complicated surgery, Dr Epodoi says that this is the first of the 3 major operations that the baby needs.
“We have done the first one. We have diverted the stool. When the child has grown to about 8 months 0r one year, we shall do the definitive surgery to create a new anus. After that has been done then we shall close the colostomy.
“What makes this operation complicated is that this is a very small child and he has also been ailing since birth (six months). This causes a derangement before the electrolytes and if you don’t prepare the child before the operation, it would be very difficult. It can even lead to what we call death on table.
The baby is still at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital receiving post-surgery care.
Credit: Health Focus Uganda
