Ahmedabad is home to the LG General Hospital, managed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). This hospital provides free and affordable care to low and middle-income patients. Recently, a 3-year-old boy was diagnosed with a rare condition at this hospital. The child was brought to the surgical outpatient department by his parents. They reported severe vomiting, stomach pain, and abdominal bloating, which had persisted for about seven days.
Upon examination, doctors identified that the child had a condition related to the vital intestinal duct. This duct is supposed to disappear during pregnancy, between 8 to 9 weeks. If it does not, it can lead to complications involving the intestines, navel, and bladder. Such conditions include Meckel’s diverticulum, umbilical fistula, or urachal sinus.
Typically, these conditions are rare and can occur in individuals aged 2 to 60. Complications can arise, leading to intestinal infections, blockages, or leakage of fluids from the navel. The child had been seen by private doctors before but had not received a proper diagnosis. After his condition worsened, he was brought to LG Hospital.
At the hospital, the boy vomited again in the outpatient department. He was admitted for further tests, including blood reports and sonography. These tests revealed an intestinal blockage, but the exact cause remained unclear. A CT scan was then conducted, which confirmed the blockage in the small intestine without a clear reason.
The hospital’s medical superintendent explained that a band formed around the intestine due to Meckel’s diverticulum could lead to this blockage. This condition is not usually visible on a CT scan, requiring a clinical diagnosis. After evaluating the risks of waiting, the medical team decided to operate on the child. Delaying the surgery could lead to infections, intestinal twisting, or electrolyte imbalances, affecting kidney function.
During the operation, the band causing the blockage was removed, and the affected part of the intestine was reconnected. This rare condition occurs in less than 1% of individuals and can be congenital. The surgical team, led by Dr Asit Patel and Dr Hitesh Andharia, along with Dr Tapan Shah, Dr Mukesh Suvera, and others, successfully performed the surgery. The child’s condition is now stable, and he is expected to be discharged soon.
On average, LG General Hospital treats about 3,200 patients daily in the outpatient department. Their commitment to providing quality care continues to make a significant impact on the community, especially for those who may not have access to private healthcare facilities.