Awaisu M., 3

Awaisu Muhammed is a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. He is the second child in a family of four. Awaisu is a cheerful child who enjoys eating chocolate and spending time playing with his mother. His mother, Fatima, is a housewife with no source of income, while his father, Muhammed, works as a laborer on two farms. Despite his hard work, he earns only about ₦10,000 per month, which is insufficient to meet the family's basic needs. The family faces significant financial hardship and struggles to afford healthcare expenses, making it difficult to access timely medical treatment for Awaisu's condition. The swelling was associated with occasional pain and discomfort and would reduce when he lay down. The condition began to interfere with his daily activities and normal childhood play. Despite temporary relief from medications, the swelling continued to reoccur. He was taken to the Hospital, where he was thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed with umbilical hernia. Following medical assessment, surgical repair (herniorrhaphy) was recommended. The prognosis for an umbilical hernia in children is excellent, as over 90% of cases resolve spontaneously without treatment by age 4 or 5, while the remaining cases can be safely corrected with a low-risk outpatient surgery.

Awaisu Muhammed was admitted to Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Gashua, with a diagnosis of umbilical hernia. Following clinical assessment and preoperative evaluation, he was prepared for surgery. A herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of the umbilical hernia) was successfully performed to close the defect in the abdominal wall and correct the swelling. The procedure was completed without complications, and the child tolerated the surgery well. Postoperative monitoring showed satisfactory recovery, with reduction of pain and complete correction of the umbilical swelling. The patient is recovering steadily and is expected to return to normal daily activities after full healing. The overall outcome of treatment is excellent.

Doctor's Opinion: Awaisu Muhammed was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition that had been present for approximately three years and was causing recurrent pain and discomfort. Clinical examination confirmed a reducible umbilical swelling with no evidence of severe complications. Surgical repair (herniorrhaphy) was considered the most appropriate treatment to correct the defect and prevent future complications. The procedure was successfully performed, and the patient responded well to treatment. Prognosis: The prognosis is excellent. Following successful surgical repair, the child is expected to make a full recovery and return to normal daily activities without restrictions. With proper postoperative care and follow-up, the likelihood of recurrence or long-term complications is very low. Overall, the outlook for the child's health and development is very good.