Intestinal Atresia - 4/3/08

After repeated abdominal x-rays and studies, Dr. Gholizadeh, my pediatric surgeon, diagnosed me with small bowel obstruction. She had diagnosed it earlier but I was still under 1kg and had an infection. But now, I weigh about 1.3kg and they felt that the antiobiotics that I've been given for the infection was working and would go ahead with the surgery.

So today is the day. An exploratory laparotomy and bowel resection with primary anastomosis and appendectomy. I was transferred out of my isolette and into a transport isolette to be taken to the operating room. The doctors and nurses intubated me so that my lungs wouldn't collapse during the surgery. Mommy seemed really worried, especially during the transport. This tiny little body going into major surgery. I think she was tearing up a little. But I know that she was trying to be strong for me. I was in good hands. Dr. Gholizadeh was known to be the best of the best. So no worries, mommy.

Waiting for transport to take me to the OR.

So after about an hour and a half, my surgery was over. Dr. Gholizadeh went to go talk to mommy and explained to her what they had found and done to my intestines. I was still intubated but I was in stable condition. After being monitored in the recovery room, they took me back to my bed in the NICU. This is what the operative report said:


After induction of anesthesia, abdomen was prepped and draped in a standard surgical fashion. A small incision was made in the right upper quadrant using #15 blade. This was carried through the subcutaneous tissue and fascial layer using cauterization. Upon entering the peritoneal cavity, small bowel was eviscerated. Atresia noted at mid small bowel with a proximal dilation and totally decompressed distal bowel. The distal small bowel had a blood supply almost like an apple core. A very narrow pedicle and the distal bowel had twisted around the pedicle about 2 times. Once the distal portion was mobilized, the blood supply was intact. We resected back the proximal a few centimeters, The distal bowel was also opened, irrigated out, and made sure there was no distal stricture. Primary anastomosis was performed. Appendectomy was also performed. The abdomen was irrigated with warm irrigation. We returned the bowel into the peritoneal cavity....


So basically, from what I understand, it was a miracle that my intestines were still functioning! Everybody was so surprised with the findings. Mommy wa SO proud. She called daddy at work to give him an update. Hopefully from this point on, it will be smooth sailing. I'm totally ready for some milk!!

Still recovering, the day after my surgery.