Alkasim A., 5

Alkasim's story is one of resilience and joy. This little 7th child of the family is growing up with a big heart and a love for football, just like many other boys his age. He's a nursery 1 pupil at LEA Primary school Rigasa, where he's probably making friends and having the best time. Life's not been easy for Alkasim's family since his dad passed away just days after he was born. His mom's a fighter, juggling private housekeeping jobs to put food on the table and keep the family going. Despite the struggles, Alkasim's surrounded by love - from his mom, siblings, and even the community. When he's not in school, Alkasim's kicking a ball around, living his best life. He is a 5 year old boy said to have had delayed passage of meconium at birth, abdominal distension, constipation, pain, and several fatalities. On presentation at our facility, he was evaluated and an imaging scan confirmed a diagnosis of Hirschsprung Disease. He requires urgent surgical intervention.

Alkasim Abdullahi, a 6-year-old boy, was managed for Hirschsprung’s disease after presenting with a barium enema and a rectal biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis. Before surgery he was admitted for twice daily rectal washouts to relieve abdominal distention and had pre-op labs including FBC, U/E/Cr, and blood grouped for 1 unit. He underwent a successful trans-anal pull-through under general anesthesia on 10/6/2026, and while on admission received IV fluids, IV ceftriaxone, flagyl, and pcm before being discharged on 12/6/2026 on oral medications. He has made significant recovery with no further abdominal distention, though he is currently passing loose stools which is common after the procedure, and he is on weekly follow-up for dilation and review.

Doctors view Hirschsprung’s disease as a serious neonatal emergency because the lack of nerve cells in the lower colon prevents normal bowel movements, leading to a high risk of enterocolitis (life-threatening bowel inflammation) and toxic megacolon. Alkasim's condition is causing him a lot of discomfort - his tummy's swollen, he's struggling to feed properly, and it's affecting his growth compared to other kids his age. Tests like the barium enema and rectal biopsy were done, and they confirm the doctors' suspicions - Alkasim has Hirschsprung's disease. While the prognosis is excellent (over 90% success) following a "pull-through" surgery to remove the affected segment, the primary long-term risks include persistent chronic constipation or fecal incontinence during childhood can occur. After the surgery, Alkasim should be able to pass stool on his own, and hopefully say goodbye to chronic constipation and tummy distention.