Four patients recover well after heart surgeries
A six-year-old girl can now look forward to running and playing freely because the defect in her heart that caused her to be easily out of breath has been eliminated through open-heart surgery. Shaniya Dutt, of Nausori, is now recovering with three other children who were successfully operated on by the international medical team at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Shaniya’s mother, Priya Dutt, said she could not thank the amazing team of doctors and nurses, enough, who operated on her daughter, and the Sai Prema Foundation for organising the free heart surgeries.
“I thank God for the amazing doctors and nurses who operated on her, and the Sai Prema people for bringing them,” said Ms Dutt.
The Sai Prema Foundation, with assistance from its supporters and the Ministry of Health, organises the medical team’s visit as part its Gift of Life initiative.
Ms Dutt, a divorcee and mother of two, said it is a huge relief, emotionally and financially, to her and her family that Shaniya’s condition has been cured.
She said that Shaniya’s heart condition meant she was often sick and could not engage in normal activities.
“I am just so happy now that she can live a normal life,” said Ms Dutt.
“Shaniya can now go back to school and play normally with her friends.”
The international team comprises 15 medical specialists and is led by Dr Asish Katewa, who is a head surgeon at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital of Raipur, India.
“All the surgeries have been smooth so far,” said Dr Katewa, earlier today.
He explained that Shaniya’s surgery required four hours in theatre – about an hour more than usual - because of its complexity. Shaniya’s structural heart defect was an abnormal connection of the blood channels in her heart. This caused her oxygenated blood to mix with her deoxygenated blood.
“We disconnected the abnormal connection and connected the red (oxygenated) blood to the left side of the heart as nature intended,” said Dr Katewa.
“Her heart defect is a life-threatening condition that is generally presented immediately after birth,” he explained.
He added that there are many children living with this defect but it has yet to be detected. Open heart surgery is the only treatment for such a condition.
Sai Prema Foundation director Sumeet Tappoo said the foundation was on hand at all times to ensure the international medical team received whatever support they need.
He said it was a humbling experience for the foundation to be able to help the children and families who otherwise would not be able to afford the surgical procedures.
“The foundation is really humbled to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of these children,” said Mr Tappoo. “Local health authorities estimate that about 200 children are born every year in Fiji with congenital heart disease,” said Mr Tappoo.
“Fiji does not yet have the specialised surgeons to conduct these surgeries, nor the complementary clinical staff with the specialist support skills.” As such, he said Fiji was fortunate to have access to a world-class team that was offering its services for free.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families who cannot afford the treatment for their child to access this team’s services, which are not only free but of the highest standards,” said Mr Tappoo.
The team hopes to be able to treat 25 children with congenital heart defects before they return to their countries.