In a remarkable display of medical expertise, a multidisciplinary team comprising surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, and nurses, led by Dr Dominic Konadu-Yeboah, Senior Specialist in Trauma and Orthopaedics, carried out a six-hour procedure to address a challenging congenital limb abnormality known as polymelia in a five-month-old infant.
The procedure took place at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) after the hospital was contacted four hours following the baby’s caesarean section delivery at a district hospital.
The infant suffered from multiple health conditions, including polymelia, anorectal malformation, genital fistula, eye vision impairment, and improper location of the right kidney.
Polymelia is a rare limb deformity characterized by the presence of extra or supernumerary limbs attached to a portion of the body.
It affects approximately 6 out of every 10,000 live newborns. Although occurrences mainly involve the lower limbs, there have been a few recorded cases. The condition is believed to result from the inadequate separation of identical twins in the womb during fetal development. When the additional limbs are attached to the pelvis, it is referred to as pyromelia.
Dr. Konadu-Yeboah highlighted that the parents were extensively informed about the baby’s condition before the surgery, praising the team’s extraordinary achievement. Additionally, a group of professionals provided psychological counselling to the family, addressing the surgery, its outcomes, and potential side effects.
The complex surgical repair procedure took place on February 20, 2023, following five months of intensive preparations and pre-operative investigations, including Computer Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), echo, and ultrasound scans to identify any associated abnormalities.
Dr. Konadu-Yeboah stated, “The immediate and intermediate postoperative periods have been managed without any complications, and the baby is steadily recovering as expected. Further minor procedures and surgical interventions will be conducted to completely restore normal functioning to the baby.”
Previously, infants with similar conditions were either abandoned or left to perish, according to Dr. Konadu-Yeboah.
However, he emphasized that immediate specialized interventions offer these infants a chance to live normal lives, given the present medical knowledge available at KATH and in the nation.
The baby’s parents expressed their satisfaction with the results thus far, praising the surgical team and all the staff members involved in their child’s successful operation.
Members of the multidisciplinary team included trauma and orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Obiageli Joan Ofungwu, Johnny Sobotie, Kwasi Twumasi-Baah Jr., and Samuel Twene Boadi, alongside pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, and other specialists. Notable contributors to the team included Drs. Boateng Nimako, Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, Drs. Ebenezer Akomea-Agyin, Anthony Davor, George Osei Prempeh, Sophia Ankrah, Yaw Asiedu Basoah, Gabriel Asante, Abigail Opoku, and Yaw Asiedu Basoah.
Other esteemed members of the KATH faculty, who played crucial roles, were Drs. Michael Amoah, Lynda Akalazu Ogechi, Zulfawu Ibrahim, Helena Okrah, and Seth Agyemang.
Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, the hospital’s CEO, praised Dr. Konadu-Yeboah and the entire team for their successful execution of such a complex surgery. He highlighted that this accomplishment showcases the power of teamwork and urged all clinical director.
Source: The Independent Ghana