Surgery sparks hope for girl after 14 years of suffering

A medical team at Burjeel Royal Hospital in Al Ain has successfully helped a 17-year-old girl return to normal life after 14 years of suffering from a chronic lung infection.

Since she was three years old, Fajer Fouad has suffered from severe coughing fits and breathing difficulties, making a challenge for her to do even simple daily activities, and despite receiving medical advice at several facilities, her condition continued to deteriorate.

Upon her arrival at the hospital, a team specialising in pulmonary diseases conducted a thorough assessment of her condition. They found that part of her lung had been completely damaged due to a chronic infection, and that she needed surgery.

According to Dr. Taj Mohammed Fiyaz Chowdhry, thoracic surgery consultant, Fajer contracted this chronic infection after suffering from severe pneumonia, which resulted in almost complete damage to the middle lobe of her right lung and the spread of the disease to other parts.

“There was a chronic lung lesion causing these symptoms and urgent surgery was required to save her respiratory function,” he said.

The medical team recommended video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique performed through a single 3-cm incision, which reduces pain and speeds up recovery.

Initially, the patient was fearful and anxious about the idea of having part of her lung removed, but with the support of her family and the medical team, she bravely faced the challenge and underwent the surgery.

“Although the right middle lobe accounted for about 10 per cent of her breathing capacity, its removal was necessary. During the operation, the right lung was isolated, leaving the girl to breathe only through her left lung. Nevertheless, she made an amazing recovery, with the chest tube removed just one day after surgery, and she is now able to lead a normal, active life,” Dr. Chowdhry said.

“I finally feel like I am able to live the life I have always dreamt of. This experience has taught me the importance of taking care of my health and staying optimistic no matter what the challenges are,” Fajer said after she began to enjoy her healthy life and vitality.

“The constant fatigue and struggle to breathe made even the simplest daily tasks a huge challenge and deprived me of enjoying my life,” she added.