Xavy O., 13

Xavy Otieno is a 13-year-old boy living with his single mother in Lucky Summer, Nairobi. His mother has no stable income and relies on casual labour to support him. Despite these challenges, Xavy is cheerful and enthusiastic, enjoys playing football and drawing, and dreams of becoming a pilot. Xavy had been growing normally until February 2025, when his mother noticed a swelling in his right groin that would appear and disappear. The swelling became more noticeable when he was standing, coughing, or straining, and would reduce when he lay down. Over time, he began to experience discomfort and occasional pain, especially after physical activity like playing football. His mother also noticed that one testis was not visible in the scrotum, raising concern about an undescended testis, which prompted her to seek medical evaluation. They later learned about Helpster Charity through flyers distributed in their neighbourhood. After calling the number on the flyers and answering a few screening questions, they were referred to this hospital for further care and support.

The child underwent right orchidopexy, a procedure to move the undescended testis into the scrotum and secure it in the correct position. At the same time, a right herniotomy was performed to repair the inguinal hernia. The surgical team successfully identified the testis in the inguinal canal, carefully preserved the blood vessels, repaired the hernia sac, and fixed the testis within the scrotum. The child also underwent circumcision during the same operation. The surgery was successful, with no reported complications. The child recovered well after the procedure, tolerated feeding, and was discharged home in stable condition with medications and follow-up instructions. The expected outcome is normal healing, reduced risk of future complications from the undescended testis and hernia, and improved overall health and comfort.

Xavy was diagnosed with a right reducible inguinoscrotal hernia and an undescended testis, both conditions that require surgical correction. Early surgery is important to prevent complications such as hernia strangulation, testicular damage, infertility, and long-term discomfort. Surgical repair will involve closing the hernia defect and bringing the undescended testis into the scrotum (orchidopexy). After successful surgical correction and proper follow-up, Xavy is expected to recover well and resume normal activities. The procedure will help prevent future complications, support normal growth and development of the testis, and allow him to continue with school, sports, and daily life without the discomfort and risks associated with the condition.