Dubai: A private hospital in Dubai has urged parents to see a doctor immediately if their newborns develop a swelling in the abdominal or groin area as it could be a sign of a serious condition which could even be life-threatening if left untreated.
Speaking to XPRESS after performing a life-saving surgery on a seven-month-old boy Muhammad Affan Siddiqui last week, Dr Aftab Ahmad, paediatric surgeon at the Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, said the child came to the hospital in a “toxic” state as a hernia he had developed earlier had not been treated.
A hernia refers to the exit of an organ, such as the bowel, through the wall of the cavity in which it normally resides. While it is not uncommon among premature babies, Dr Ahmad said its early detection and treatment was critical. “If the exited organ remains outside for a long time, there can be a vascular compromise and blood supply is affected. The gut undergoes gangrene changes as was the case with this infant. The body tissue gets decomposed because of obstructed circulation or infection. It is a life-threatening situation.”
He said although the symptoms of a hernia are difficult to pinpoint, parents should look for swellings in the abdominal and groin areas. “A bloated tummy, excessive crying, vomiting, lack of bowel movements, and a general listlessness are among the main signs.”
He said while it takes a half-hour procedure to deal with a hernia detected early, the surgery on Affan took three hours. The child was lucky he turned the corner, he added.
