The 11-month old baby suffering from Obstructive Hydrocephalus, has successfully undergone surgery at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

The operation was funded through contributions made by Takoradi-based Greenline Logistics Limited, staff at the Head Office of Fidelity Bank, Accra and Founder of United Front Party, Nana Agyenim Boateng. together, they raised an amount of GH¢16,700 to give the little girl a lifeline.

The story of the baby whose parents had abandoned orthodox medicine to seek herbal treatment in Techiman Abuoso in the Bono East Region, was told on JoyNews TV in July.

A desperate young couple had seen an end to fruitless efforts to raise money which compelled them to resort to herbal treatment for a complex condition.

It was the intervention by some public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations that brought hope to them.

Founder of United Front Party, Nana Agyenim Boateng could not hide his joy when he donated towards the surgery.

"I love kids so when I see children suffering, I can't sit down and enjoy my good meal [and] put on my good shoes..." he told JoyNews.

Preparing for the surgery

At 9: O'clock a.m, the medical team made up of anaesthetics, emergency nurses, neurosurgeons among others, were already at hand to start the procedure.

11-month baby handed over to Dr. Bandoh and his team

Her parents suddenly found themselves in the uncertainty of the future of their daughter when they handed her over to the medical team at the entrance of the theatre of the Accident and Emergency Center.

That despair was compounded by the cry of the baby. 

For the medical team, however, this was a routine as suggested by Dr. Dickson Bandoh, a Senior Resident, Neurosurgery at KATH.

"It was really a routine surgery similar to what we have done for several other children in the past. It was a two-staged surgery," he said.

The baby playing on admission at KATH

Doctors spent at least 3-hours to correct the abnormality by first creating a hole in the skull, dropped a pipe to the stomach to drain excess fluid in the head.

"The essence of that stage was that we wanted to help divert the excess water in the child's head so that part was successfully done," Dr. Bandoh explained.

In the end, the couple is happy at the quick transformation which has seen the baby's abnormal head reduced in size and her renewed activeness.

Her mother, Mohammed Ananga Aishatu stated in Twi: "I am so happy my baby's condition has improved tremendously. I am grateful to you all for the support. The baby can now sleep without any interruption.She plays around too. The swollen head has reduced drastically. The tumour on her spinal cord is also gone. I am grateful for all the assistance you have given me."

Aishatu wants parents who have babies with similar conditions not to end their lives or resort to any form of treatment than the hospitals.

"There is no need to kill your 'river baby' when there is a treatment that can solve your issue.”

What is next after surgery?

Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital expect no incidence after the surgery as they continue to monitor the baby's development and have referred the baby to the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman for follow-ups.

"We are expecting quiet an uneventful post stock in the recovery. What we usually do in the clinic is every 3-months we invite them to the clinic for review just so we can follow up on the child's development," Dr. Bandoh said.