A 7-month-old boy suffering from a rare congenital condition has successfully undergone the first phase of life-saving surgical procedures at Jayavarman VII Kantha Bopha Hospital in Siem Reap province.
The infant, from Sra Em Khang Tboung village in Preah Vihear province, was diagnosed with cloacal exstrophy — a severe birth defect in which the intestines, bladder and genital organs protrude from the abdominal wall and are split into two.
According to doctors, his specific condition included hemibladder, hemipenis and epispadias.
He was admitted to Kantha Bopha Hospital on June 25, where his case immediately caught the attention of medical specialists.
“The case was rare and extremely delicate,” said Professor Keo Sokha, vice-director and head of the Surgical Department at Kantha Bopha.
“It required a carefully staged treatment plan, and close monitoring at every step,” he noted.
According to Kantha Bopha Hospital’s Facebook page today July 29, under the close attention of Prime Minister Hun Manet and first lady Pich Chanmony, the Ministry of Health mobilised a specialised medical team to provide full care for the child.
Their three-stage plan includes:
- Stage One: Separation of the intestines from the bladder and urethra, full bladder reconstruction, and the creation of a temporary ileostomy to divert waste.
- Stage Two: In 3 to 6 months, rectal repair through an anoplasty and repositioning of the bladder inside the abdomen.
- Stage Three: Two years from now, reconstructive surgery of the genital organs.
The first stage of the surgery was completed successfully, and following a steady recovery, the child was discharged on July 22. Hospital staff noted the boy left with a smile and stable condition.
To further assist the family, Kantha Bopha Hospital provided transportation expenses, milk powder, and diapers.
“However, the infant’s recovery journey is far from over. He is expected to return in two months for follow-up evaluations and preparation for the second stage of the operation,” according to the hospital.
This case highlights the expertise of Cambodia’s paediatric surgical teams.
“All medical services at Kantha Bopha Hospitals are provided free of charge, without discrimination,” the hospital reiterated.
“This has only been possible thanks to the generous support from the Kantha Bopha Foundation Switzerland, the Kantha Bopha Cambodia Foundation and kind-hearted donors,” it said.
