Kumasi – A team of surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, and nurses, led by Dr. Dominic Konadu-Yeboah, Senior Specialist in Trauma and Orthopaedic, successfully carried out a six-hour operation to repair a complex congenital limb malformation, known as polymelia, on a five-month-old baby at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The baby, delivered at a district hospital through caesarean section, was referred to KATH four hours after birth due to the presence of polymelia, abnormal positioning of the right kidney, anorectal malformation, genital fistula, and an eye visual problem.
Polymelia is a rare limb malformation characterized by the presence of supernumerary (extra) limbs attached to a segment of the body. It occurs in approximately 6 per 10,000 live births, with reported cases predominantly involving the lower limbs. The condition's pathogenesis varies and can result from incomplete separation of identical twins during fetal development. When the extra limbs are attached to the pelvis, it is referred to as pyromelia.
Dr. Konadu-Yeboah emphasized the extensive discussions and education provided to the parents about their baby's condition prior to the surgery. The family received psychological counseling, including detailed information about the procedure, potential outcomes, and possible complications, from a team of experts.
After five months of thorough preparations and pre-operative investigations, such as Computer Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), echo, and ultrasound scans to detect any associated abnormalities, the complex surgical repair operation took place on February 20, 2023. The procedure lasted nearly six hours.
Dr. Konadu-Yeboah noted that the immediate and intermediate postoperative periods were successfully managed without complications, and the baby is currently recovering as expected. Additional minor procedures and surgical interventions are planned to fully restore normal functioning for the baby.
The doctor explained that in the past, babies with such conditions were often abandoned or left to perish. However, with the available medical expertise in the country, particularly at KATH, these babies now have the opportunity to live normal lives if they are promptly referred for specialist interventions.
The parents of the baby expressed satisfaction with the outcome thus far and expressed gratitude to the team of surgeons and all other staff members who contributed to the successful surgery.
The multidisciplinary team involved in the surgery included trauma and orthopaedic surgeons, paediatric surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, nurses, and other specialists. Their names are Drs. Obiageli Joan Ofungwu, Johnny Sobotie, Kwasi Twumasi-Baah Jnr., Samuel Twene Boadi, Ebenezer Akomea-Agyin, Anthony Davor, George Osei Prempeh, Sophia Ankrah, Yaw Asiedu Basoah, Abigail Opoku, Gabriel Asante, Robert Sagoe, Boateng Nimako, and Prof. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei. Additional team members were Drs. Seth Agyemang, Solomon Djangmah, Lynda Akalazu Ogechi, Zulfawu Ibrahim, Helena Okrah, and Michael Amoah, all from KATH.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Prof. Otchere Addai-Mensah, commended Dr. Konadu-Yeboah and the entire team for successfully performing such a complex surgery. He emphasized that the accomplishment demonstrated the power of teamwork. The CEO encouraged the various clinical directorates and units within the
