Muhibbat M., 5

Muhibbat Murtala is a five-year-old girl, and the fourth child in a family of six children. Muhibbat is a cheerful and playful child who enjoys spending time with her siblings and friends. She is particularly attached to her mother and prefers to stay close to her most of the time. The family faces significant financial challenges. Her father works as a watchman at a government secondary school and earns approximately ₦10,000 per month, which is insufficient to meet the family's basic needs. Her mother is a housewife with no source of income and is fully responsible for caring for the children and managing the household. Due to their limited financial resources, accessing quality healthcare and meeting other essential needs has been difficult for the family. Muhibbat Murtala developed a swelling around her belly button (umbilical area) about three years ago. Initially, the swelling would become more noticeable and was associated with pain, which often reduced when she lay down or took medication. As time passed, the condition began to interfere with her daily activities and normal childhood routines, prompting her family to seek medical attention. After thorough investigation, she was diagnosed with an Umbilical Hernia.

Muhibbat was admitted and thoroughly evaluated by the medical team, who confirmed the diagnosis of an umbilical hernia. After the necessary pre-operative assessments, she underwent herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of the hernia) to correct the defect in the abdominal wall. The procedure was successfully performed without complications. Following surgery, she responded well to treatment, her pain and discomfort were relieved, and the swelling was corrected. She is currently recovering satisfactorily and is expected to return to her normal daily activities after complete healing.

The patient, Muhibbat Murtala was thoroughly accessed and diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. The core complications of an umbilical hernia are incarceration (trapped tissue), intestinal obstruction (blocked bowel), and strangulation, which cuts off blood supply and causes life-threatening tissue death. Surgical repair (herniorrhaphy) was recommended as the most appropriate treatment to correct the defect and prevent possible complications. The prognosis is excellent. With successful surgical intervention and proper postoperative care, Muhibbat is expected to make a full recovery and return to her normal activities without long-term health problems. Regular follow-up and adherence to medical advice will help ensure complete healing.