Whatshot
KZN's first pinhole surgery baby is born?
KZN's first pinhole surgery baby is born?
The baby, named Joel Hayden Ford, who was operated on when his mother was 31 weeks pregnant, was delivered via caesarean section at 38 weeks. According to the doctors involved in his delivery, he is "strong and healthy" and entered the world weighing 3,32 kilograms.
The pinhole surgery, which involved the insertion of a shunt to drain fluid that had been building up in the foetus' chest, was performed at Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban early in June by a team of specialists.
It was the first time the life saving procedure has been undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal and possibly in the country, according to foetal specialist, Dr Ismail Bhorat.
Hayden and Tarryn Ford of uMhlanga said they were delighted at the birth of their third child. Hayden, a former Netcare 911 paramedic, said that until now babies with hydrothorax, as the condition is known, had a very poor prognosis.
"Thanks to the outstanding doctors and the latest in medical technology and techniques we are able to celebrate the birth of our third child," he added. "We are very grateful to everyone who was involved in caring for Tarryn and our miracle baby."
According to Dr Bhorat, who practices at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, hydrothorax involves the build-up of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest. The condition occurs in approximately one in 15 000 foetuses. The build-up of fluid places pressure on the baby's chest cavity and can cause breathing problems and prevent the heart from pumping properly.
Dr Carlos Hartmann, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who practices at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, says the two operations offered the team invaluable experience and will enable the doctors to do similar procedures in the future. "Traditionally, medical conditions have always been difficult to treat in-utero," he adds. Netcare Umhlanga Hospital General Manager, Shaun Ryan, said he found it moving that the Ford family had chosen the facility as the place to have their "miracle baby" and wished them the very best for the future.