- Request received23/11/2025
- Checked & confirmed11/12/2025
- Fundraising11/12/2025
- Treatment provided31/03/2026
- Invoice paid29/04/2026
- Case closed
Why is treatment sometimes done earlier than the payment?
When a case is urgent and vital, hospitals often proceed with delivering medical care right away to save a life, even before the finalisation of admission procedures. Usually, when this happens, hospitals put the bill on our credit until the funds are transferred to their accounts. That’s why the chronology can sometimes be in disorder.
Download Helpster App to get access to full reports and documents
Abubakar L., 10
In treatmentUrology
21
$225
About urology
PUJ obstruction is a condition where the junction between the renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects urine) and the ureter becomes narrowed or blocked. Because of this narrowing, urine cannot flow freely from the kidney into the ureter, causing it to accumulate in the kidney. As urine builds up, the kidney becomes swollen,a condition known as hydronephrosis. Patients with PUJ obstruction may present with flank or lower abdominal pain, reduced urine output, straining during urination, or episodes of urinary retention. Some may experience recurrent urinary tract infections or vomiting, especially if the obstruction is severe. If left untreated, PUJ obstruction can lead to kidney damage due to prolonged pressure on the renal tissues. Treatment often involves pyeloplasty, a surgical procedure that relieves the obstruction and restores normal urine flow. Early diagnosis and proper intervention are crucial to protect kidney function and prevent long-term complications.
Thank you for saving this life!
100%
$225 raised of $225
Background
Abubakar Lawan is a calm and intelligent ten-year-old boy who enjoys reading stories and playing football with his friends. He is respectful, helpful at home, and dreams of becoming a teacher so he can guide younger children in his community. His gentle nature and curiosity make him well-loved by his family and peers. Abubakar had been well until few weeks ago when he developed difficulty passing urine, sensation of incomplete voiding and discomfort in the lower abdomen.His parents noticed that he strained during urination, producing only small amounts, and sometimes went several hours without passing urine at all. This was associated with lower abdominal pain and restlessness. On presentation at our hospital, he was examined and further examination and ultrasound imaging showed that he had urinary retention caused by Pelvi-Ureteric Junction (PUJ) obstruction, a condition where the narrowing between the kidney pelvis and ureter prevents urine from draining properly into the bladder. As urine accumulates, it causes back-pressure, pain, swelling of the kidney, and difficulty passing urine. Due to the degree of obstruction and retention, he is scheduled for surgical correction (pyeloplasty) pending approval from the Helpster Charity Foundation.
Medical history
Abubakar, a 10-year-old boy, presented with a gradual onset of urinary retention accompanied by abdominal discomfort over several weeks. Following thorough evaluation and investigations, he was diagnosed with left pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction. He was admitted for surgery on 21st February 2016 and discharged on 25th February 2016. He underwent a successful left pyeloplasty without any immediate complications. Owing to the nature of his condition, he remained hospitalized for 5 days for close postoperative monitoring and care. Abubakar recovered well and was discharged in stable condition with a follow-up appointment scheduled one week later. He is currently doing well, has made a full recovery, and has resumed his normal daily activities. We sincerely appreciate the timely intervention and support provided by Helpster and the UMD Medical Team.
Prognosis
Abubakar is experiencing severe pain, discomfort, and restlessness in his lower abdomen, which significantly limits his ability to be productive at school and home due to urine retention. A pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction in a child primarily impacts the affected kidney's function by impeding urine flow, which if left untreated can lead to permanent kidney damage or failure. Surgical intervention to repair the affected area in his kidney is essential to restore his normal health.He will require surgery called pyeloplasty.
