Surgery to remove needles in baby's belly a success

Doctors at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) have successfully removed seven sewing needles lodged in the abdomen of a three-year-old child.

Chief Executive Officer Wilson Aruasa on Saturday said the girl is in stable condition.

"The child was brought at the hospital on Tuesday evening with a one year history of abdominal pains.

"We want to assure the public that the operation has been a success and that the child is in stable condition. We shall only discharge her when we are sure that her safety is guaranteed," Dr Aruasa said at Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Management Centre.

Dr Aruasa said that six needles were stuck in the liver and one in the small intestine.

PAINKILLERS

The lead paediatric surgeons were Prof Robert Tenge and Philippe Kuradusenge.

The one hour and 45 minutes surgery was carried out by a team of four neurosurgeons.

Prof Tenge said he is glad the needles had not damaged the liver.

"The foreign bodies were within the liver so we had to make sure that they don’t pierce the bile during the operation," he said.

Dr Aruasa added that the baby had been put on antibiotics and painkillers, and will remain in their care for three weeks.

INVESTIGATIONS

More importantly, he said detectives in West Pokot have launched investigations into the matter.

Further, he will discuss with the child's grandparents on how to settle the medical bill.

This is the second operation of the same kind.

In December 2017, a baby in Kiambu County was found with 14 needles in her body.