SKMC Demonstrates Expertise As Centre Of Excellence For Paediatric Surgery With Baby Awad's Recovery

A newborn named Awad has fully recovered from a severe heart condition, thanks to the expertise of medical professionals at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). SKMC is part of SEHA network, under PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East. Baby Awad faced multiple complex interventions shortly after birth due to his critical heart condition.

Congenital heart defects are prevalent, affecting about 1% of births. Approximately one in four of these defects are critical and often require surgery within the first year. SEHA’s paediatric teams are well-versed in handling such intricate cases with precision and care. Their facilities ensure that patients like baby Awad not only survive but also thrive post-surgery.

SKMC, recognised as a Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Center of Excellence, managed Awad's condition with a team of skilled cardiologists and surgeons. The team was led by Dr. Benedict Rajkumar, who performed several vital procedures on Awad. These included an arterial switch operation and intraventricular tunnel repair, among others.

Dr. Rajkumar highlighted the teamwork involved in Awad’s recovery: "The successful management of baby Awad’s complex congenital heart disease reflects the strong collaboration between SEHA’s multidisciplinary teams and the dedication of our medical staff at SKMC. Our focus remains on ensuring continued care and positive outcomes for all our patients, including our youngest."

After initial successful surgeries, baby Awad was discharged on 19th June 2024. However, complications arose when he experienced desaturation, leading to his readmission for further treatment and monitoring. The medical team quickly devised a comprehensive care plan to address these issues.

This plan included monitoring his weight gain and scheduling regular follow-up visits to the paediatric cardiology clinic. Through this ongoing care approach, baby Awad has now made a full recovery.

Commitment to Quality Care

The dedication of SEHA’s paediatric teams ensures that even the most complex cases receive top-notch care. Their hospitals and clinics are equipped with advanced resources to provide exceptional treatment standards. This commitment helps ensure positive outcomes for young patients undergoing intricate medical procedures.

The collaborative efforts at SKMC demonstrate their commitment to providing continuous care for patients like baby Awad. Their focus remains on ensuring that all patients receive the best possible outcomes through dedicated teamwork and expert medical intervention.

With inputs from WAM