Hauwa H., 16

Hauwa Hassan is a 16-year-old girl and the firstborn in her family. She lives with her parents in a two-bedroom mud house in Amshi Village. Her father is a farmer, while her mother sells yams from home, and together they earn only about ₦9,400, making it difficult to meet the family’s basic needs. Despite these challenges, Hauwa dreams of becoming a pharmacist and helping sick people in her community. Hauwa developed severe abdominal pain that began in the lower right side of her abdomen and gradually spread, becoming unbearable over seven days. She also suffered from persistent fever, repeated vomiting, and abdominal swelling. Despite receiving treatment at a local health facility, her condition worsened. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a ruptured appendix complicated by peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the abdominal cavity. She was admitted immediately for urgent stabilization and emergency surgery. Prompt medical intervention was essential to control the infection and save her life.

Hauwa was admitted as a surgical emergency and immediately stabilized with intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen therapy, and close monitoring. She was started on broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, including Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole, to control the severe abdominal infection. She also received Paracetamol for pain and fever management. After stabilization, she underwent emergency surgery (appendectomy and abdominal washout) to remove the ruptured appendix and clear the infected fluid from her abdominal cavity. Following surgery, she continued on IV antibiotics, fluids, nutritional support, and regular wound care. Hauwa responded well to treatment. Her fever subsided, abdominal pain reduced significantly, and she gradually resumed feeding and normal activities. After several days of close monitoring and recovery, she was discharged in stable condition with a good prognosis and scheduled follow-up appointments.

Doctor's Opinion The attending surgical team assessed Hauwa's condition as a life-threatening emergency. The rupture of her appendix had caused widespread infection within the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), placing her at high risk of sepsis, organ failure, and death if not treated urgently. The doctors recommended immediate surgical intervention to remove the ruptured appendix, clean the infected abdominal cavity, and control the spread of infection. Intensive monitoring, intravenous antibiotics, and supportive care were also required to stabilize her condition. Prognosis: Following prompt surgery and appropriate medical treatment, Hauwa's prognosis is good. However, due to the severity of the infection at presentation, close postoperative monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure complete recovery and prevent complications.