Siroya, an 18 month old Algerian girl underwent major surgery last fortnight at Belhoul Speciality Hospital for a rare birth induced paralysis of the right arm. The procedure was the first of its kind performed in the UAE.
The girl was suffering from Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy, a condition that is found in approximately 1% of normal birth. The injury is due to excessive pull or traction during the birthing process, resulting in the nerve roots of the upper back and neck becoming torn. This usually occurs if the baby is particularly large or if the shoulder is somehow caught up in the birth canal.
The resulting nerve damage can cause varying degrees of deformity, but patients usually suffer from paralysis and pain in the affected shoulder and arm.
Dr. Ashok Gupta, Specialist Plastic Surgeon at Belhoul Speciality Hospital, performed the procedure using delicate microsurgical techniques to repair and transfer nerves from the neck, chest and leg. The operation reconstituted the damaged nerves and transferred muscle tissue in the arm and forearm, restoring mobility to the area.
"It took eight hours to complete the operation on Baby Siroya due to the precise and delicate nature of the procedure. Usually with patients this young, prolonged anesthesia and maintaining body temperature and nutrition is the biggest challenge, however she was a star," He commented.
Siroya is now recovering well but will need ongoing physiotherapy for the next year to make full use of her paralyzed limb.
"It's amazing that Siroya will soon be able to move freely like other children" said her mother "we are so happy our little girl can now enjoy life to the fullest" she added.
