A Baby’s Life-Changing Surgery at FAME

Baby and family during their follow-up visit.

Before the surgery.

After the surgery.

As told by FAME's General Surgeon & Head Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Manjira

Last year, I had the privilege of treating many patients at FAME, but one case stands out vividly in my memory, as it was the first time this particular operation was conducted at the Hospital. A Maasai family, father, mother and grandmother arrived at our hospital after traveling over 200 kilometers. They were deeply concerned about the health of their baby girl.

She had developed a swelling on her back, and someone had told them it was a serious condition that could only be treated at a very tertiary hospital. They were in a challenging situation. The nearest tertiary hospital was another 200 kilometers beyond FAME, making it a 400-kilometer journey, an unthinkable distance for a family with a baby seeking urgent care.

When they arrived, my colleagues initially thought this was a case that should be referred elsewhere. But before making that decision, they called me in for a consultation.

A Closer Look at the Case

I met the family and examined the baby. She was healthy, her lower limbs were functioning well, meaning her motor neurons were intact. Upon closer inspection, I diagnosed her with spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spinal cord does not form properly. Fortunately, her case was not too complicated, there was no leakage or wounds, only a visible swelling with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The family was visibly anxious, but we took the time to explain that we could perform the surgery right here at FAME. As a general surgeon, I have worked on several cases like this during my residency and training at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). We have a great team here at FAME, so this was something we could handle.

Some of my colleagues were hesitant as they had never encountered a case like this before. Even our anesthesia team had concerns since this was a first for them as well. But we took a step forward together, ensuring every detail was planned.

A Life-Changing Surgery at FAME

Many assumed the surgery would take three to four hours, but I assured them it was a straightforward procedure. With careful preparation, we moved ahead.

In the operating room, we successfully closed the bifida. We harvested the dura mater, sealed it watertight and carefully sutured the skin. Everything went smoothly.

After just two to three days, the baby recovered well. We discharged her home with antibiotics and clear post-operative care instructions.

A Happy Follow-Up Visit

On January 2, 2025, I had the joy of seeing her again at our clinic. The wound had healed beautifully, and her lower limbs were functioning well. An excellent prognosis!

Her parents had been concerned about whether she would ever walk, but I reassured them:
“Yes, absolutely, she will walk.”

Their relief and happiness were immeasurable. But more than that, they left FAME not just as grateful parents, but as ambassadors, eager to share their story with their community and families with similar experiences.

Looking Ahead

This case is a reminder of what’s possible at FAME. We continue to grow, expand our expertise, and take on complex cases that sometimes seem impossible in the rural context.

Every patient we treat grows our FAME family and strengthens our commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to those who need it most.  No family should ever have to travel 400 kilometers for life-changing care—so, we are thankful that FAME is here to provide families like this the care they need when they need it.