Rare surgery at Sharjah hospital hailed a success

A 13-year-old Sudanese girl has successfully undergone surgery to correct a rare congenital disorder that has been recorded in only 180 people worldwide. "For the first time [in the UAE], we have operated on a complex congenital anomaly in a girl who suffered from a rare condition. She was born with complete duplication of the genital system, and so she had two complete uterus, and each with its own Fallopian tubes," said Professor Dr Hossam Al Deen Hamdi, vice chancellor for the Colleges of Medicine and Health Sciences and Chairman of Division of Surgery at University Hospital in Sharjah, who addressed reporters on Tuesday. "The girl had two separate vaginas, with complete obstruction of one, leading to menstruation in one blocked cavity and as a result she was suffering from severe abdominal pain because blood did not pass through," explained Professor Dr Hamdi, pointing out that the operation was conducted last Monday and that the patient was discharged on Tuesday afternoon. ‘Unbearable pain' Article continues below The operation was commissioned by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The patient, whose identity was not disclosed, was born with only one kidney as the body needed space to place the second set of ovaries. The grade nine student, who lives in Sharjah, said she was glad she had the operation and doesn't suffer from severe cramps any more. "The pain started to become unbearable six months ago and I missed out on school. I went to many doctors who referred me to see a specialist because they did not know what was wrong. At the hospital, I feel like I am on holiday watching television all day. I missed my friends and family and am feeling fine," she said, with a beaming smile. Dr Hamdi said such conditions happened during the first six weeks of a foetus' life when the sexual productive organs are being formed. The surgery lasted three hours and Dr Hamdi said the girl will be able to conceive in the future.