In another significant feat that speaks volumes about Qatar’s rapidly advancing healthcare system, surgeons from Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity, have successfully conducted a minimally invasive keyhole brain surgery on a baby born with Hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which fluids collect in the brain. It occurs in one to two per 1,000 newborns globally. 

A primary healthcare pediatrician noticed the accelerated growth of the circumference of baby Leen's head during a regular newborn check-up when the baby was only five weeks old. 

With the unusual growth, developmental delays such as vision problems were also observed in the baby.

Leen was immediately referred to Sidra Medicine’s Neurosurgery Department where surgeons, Dr Ian Pople and Dr Khalid Al Kharazi determined that she had hydrocephalus and required brain surgery.

According to Sidra Medicine, the condition is manifested in babies with a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of the skull) and abnormal enlargement of the head.

Other symptoms may include seizures, sleepiness, and frequent vomiting. Infants exhibit a lack of interest in their surroundings, their eyes turn downwards and their movements become weak.

If left untreated in babies, the condition can lead to severe disabilities or be fatal.

Early diagnosis followed by treatment through brain surgery can be crucial in helping the majority of children live healthy and full lives. 

“Most hydrocephalus patients are typically treated by placing a shunt system in the brain. Many people and children with shunts go on to live normal lives but some children have repeated problems with their shunts. However, in Leen’s case, we sought to perform a type of brain surgery that is only feasible in infants – Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Choroid Plexus Cauterisation [CPC]," said Dr Pople, division chief of neurosurgery at Sidra Medicine.

Leen's surgery lasted for two hours where surgeons used a flexible thin endoscope through a tiny hole in Leen’s skull. The CPC process involved cauterizing most of the Choroid Plexus, the part of her brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

The baby was discharged one week after the successful surgery and continues to visit Sidra Medicine’s neurosurgical team as part of her post-operative care and to monitor her physical and mental development. 

"Following the surgery, the physical and behavioral change in our baby is tremendous. From being lethargic and having an abnormal-sized head, Leen is now a completely different baby! She is blossoming and is very interactive. Her head size is coming down and she continues to meet all her milestones as any normal baby," said Hassan, Leen's father. 

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Cover Image Credit: Sidra Medicine