Infant undergoes successful Brain Surgery, now Smiling
- Four-month-old infant, Abdullah, was saved by the doctors of Ras Al Khaimah Hospital against many odds and in critical circumstances.
- Abdullah, who lost the ability to smile due to deteriorated brain function, underwent a risky brain surgery due to brain damage or consequent mental retardation.
- He was flown from his native, Nigeria after receiving complaints about progressive swelling in the head due to a build-up of fluids inside his brain.
- The surgery lasted for about 90 minutes and, upon recovery from anesthesia, the baby regained consciousness immediately and the smile was back on his face.
- The procedure was led by consultant neurosurgeon Dr. Tinku Jose Kurisinkal, who said, “The surgery itself was not complicated, but the fact that patient was just a few months old presented a number of challenges.”
- Abdullah 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.
- “The cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] protects the brain from mechanical injury, provides nourishment, and carries away waste; however, an excess amount could potentially result in developmental disorders.” – Dr. Tinku
- In order to divert the fluid, a plastic tube called shunt was surgically implanted from the brain to create an alternate path from the head through the neck into the abdomen.
- “This case is yet another fine example of how RAK Hospital is emerging as a preferred destination of medical tourism, particularly for performing complicated surgeries,” said Dr. Raza Seddiqi, CEO at Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director at RAK Hospital.
