Titus S., 1

Seventeen-day-old Titus Simon lives with her parents in Ungwan Mission, Kujama. Her parents are both farmers and rely on farming for their livelihood, making unexpected medical expenses difficult to afford. Titus was born at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, and initially appeared healthy. However, she later began crying continuously, developed abdominal swelling, and appeared uncomfortable. After about five days of persistent symptoms, her parents took her to the hospital. A scan revealed an intestinal obstruction, preventing the normal passage of intestinal contents. She was referred to a specialist facility for further evaluation and treatment. Further assessment diagnosed Hirschsprung’s disease with intestinal perforation secondary to chronic obstruction. Timely specialist care is critical to prevent further complications and give baby Titus the best chance of recovery.

Prognosis is good with emergency surgical and medical care, if done early the risks of severe infection (sepsis), dehydration, anemia and end organ failure reduces significantly. If left untreated, Hirschsprung’s disease can cause severe intestinal obstruction, infection, intestinal perforation, sepsis, and other life-threatening complications. Some post surgical complications may include delayed bowel movement, surgical site infection and electrolytes abnormalities