A 2-month-old baby girl, residing in the UAE with her family underwent a successful minimally invasive Mini-Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty Surgery at the Surgical institute of Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The child experienced bouts of excessive crying at intervals, which, most often, parents would consider to be because of hunger. In addition, she had, feed intolerance leading to throwing up. This young baby suffered from a birth defect of complete Pelvi-Ureteric Junction (PUJ) obstruction, which is a narrowing in the proximal part of the ureter that drains urine from the kidney. This situation may progressively impair the proper kidney function.
The baby’s parents were aware of their daughter’s condition and had been seeking treatment options. They were disheartened when the only option they were offered to help their baby girl was the option of open surgery. The thought of their little one undergoing a major surgery was daunting. Continuing to seek a solution, the parents did some online & offline research, which led them to Fakeeh University Hospital located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. They met with Dr. Kamalesh Pal, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon & Pediatric Urologist at the hospital, who specializes in management of such cases in children from birth to any age.
Within 2 weeks from consultation at Fakeeh University Hospital and after proper evaluation by Dr. Kamalesh, the child was treated with a minimally invasive Mini-Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty Surgery. This included surgical correction of the block and insertion of a ureteric stent to favour the drain of urine, hence relieving the swollen kidney.
“The congenital defect the baby suffered from caused severe swelling in both kidneys, resulting in critically low functioning of the left kidney. The condition is due to an abnormality in development of nerve and muscles in the area. Early detection and intervention are warranted to save the kidney function. An extensive open surgery is still an option in some cases, however, if the surgeon is well-trained and skilled enough to manage the condition, laparoscopic methods are the way to go,” said Dr. Kamalesh Pal.
The post-operative period was smooth for both the baby & the parents. She was on minimal pain medications and began to feed normally, 3 hours post-surgery. The baby was as playful as any child of that age and the happiness of having a newborn at home returned to the family.
This condition is a congenital defect, that could happen in children, but given the age of the child, and the rapid deterioration in kidney function within 2 months of birth, makes it a rather unique case. The surgical space is extremely limited, given the size of the baby for the laparoscopic manoeuvres, hence requires utmost skill and precision. It was a delicate surgery to perform as it requires fine suturing, since is performed laparoscopically with only three 3mm incisions (one being the belly button). The surgery can only be performed by a highly experienced Paediatric surgeon, with the help of state of the art Minimally Invasive technology and equipment. This showcases the excellent combination of care based on technology, academic driven approach, and healing environment at Fakeeh University Hospital, which aids to precise diagnosis & faster recovery.
