PRECIOUS LITTLE MIRACLE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
A QUEENSLAND baby who was born with major internal organs outside her body has defied the odds and is about to enjoy her first Christmas.
Little Elsie’s parents, Hannah and Simon Cox, from the Sunshine Coast, were told the shocking news at a 12week scan that their baby had a “giant” omphalocele.
The condition involves a baby’s organs growing outside its body in the umbilical cord.
Elsie’s stomach, liver and intestines were all outside her tiny body, presenting a huge challenge for her medical team at the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Mater Mothers’ Hospital that had to ensure her organs did not rupture during birth.
On May 30, 39 weeks into Ms Cox’s pregnancy, a complex caesarean section was performed by Dr James Aridas to deliver Elsie, who weighed 2.56kg.
Dr Aridas said a team of more than 10 medical professionals collaborated in the successful delivery.
“This was definitely the biggest omphalocele I have seen in my career,” Dr Aridas said. “It was a very delicate, challenging delivery – but everything went to plan.”
One in five babies born with a giant omphalocele do not survive.
Ms Cox said Elsie’s condition had affected her respiratory system, as her ribs and chest had formed into a cone shape and she might require surgery when she gets older.
But otherwise Elsie, who spent almost two months being cared for around-theclock at Mater Mothers’
Hospital, is a thriving and happy baby.
The couple are looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas with their amazing girl.
“What we have gone through this year has felt like a lifetime. I look at photos and see how far Elsie has come and think ‘she’s our miracle’,” Ms Cox said.
“It’s been a big journey and she’s worth every minute of it. We never imagined we would be home for Christmas with Elsie, and sharing her with our friends and family is a precious joy.”