Smile is back on 4-month-old's face, thanks to RAK doctors

Ras Al Khaimah - Because of deteriorated brain function, he had lost the ability to smile, an action he was able to perform effortlessly earlier.

Doctors in Ras Al Khaimah have successfully conducted a brain surgery to save a little boy from stunted developmental growth, loss of physical and mental activities, and possible death.
Abdullahi David was flown from his native country to Ras Al Khaimah with complaints of the disease. Because of deteriorated brain function, he had lost the ability to smile, an action he was able to perform effortlessly earlier.
David's parents had contacted RAK Hospital after consulting various hospitals in Nigeria where no one was willing to perform surgery on a small infant due to the narrow scope of success and, potentially, death.
"Baby David was suffering from what is known as congenital hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid accumulates within the brain, either because of a blockage or the body's inability to absorb the water," said Dr Tinku Jose Kurisinkal, consultant neurosurgeon at RAK Hospital, who led the procedure.
"In order to divert the fluid, a plastic tube was surgically implanted from the brain to create an alternate path from the head through the neck into the abdomen. Given the very young age, the procedure was quite a difficult task and credit goes to the surgical team for their clinical acumen," he said.
"The surgery lasted for about 90 minutes and, upon recovery from anaesthesia, the baby regained consciousness and the smile was back on his face." 
The baby was prescribed short-term anti-seizure medication to prevent any post-surgery seizures, and within days, his parents were able to take him home.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah