We meet with Declan's Pediatric Surgeon (Dr. Reynolds) today at the St. Luke's Children's Hospital here in Boise and discussed the surgery needed to repair Declan's condition. The surgery will repair his malrotation (improper rotation of the intestines during fetal development). Right now his intestines are located on the left side of his abdomen instead of all spread out like they should normally be. This can cause a bowel obstruction if they get twisted, which would require emergency surgery (within 24 hours) if we do not repair this issue. She will be re situating his intestines so that they are more spread out.
Because of his heterotaxy syndrome (The abnormal placement of the organs during embryonic development associated with his congenital heart defect) his appendix is located in the upper middle region of his abdomen. To prevent any future issues or misdiagnosis' in the future they will also be removing his appendix.
Dr. Reynolds stated that she will try to do the surgery laparoscopically (a type of surgical procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube is inserted). But, she did tell us if she feels that she needs a better view or is uncomfortable doing the surgery laproscopically, since he is still so small, she will perform open abdominal surgery to repair these issues.
Recovery will require a few days in the hospital for monitoring.
And thankfully, heart surgery is not needed at this time. The hole between his ventricles will hopefully repair on its own. The doctors have told us that there is no reason to believe that he can't live a completely normal life with the Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava.
This is the plan for now. We will continue to update as we receive more information and let everyone know how Declan is doing with the surgery and with his recovery. We have high hopes that all will go well and we are so thankful for the many thoughts and prayers in our behalf. We feel very blessed! Thank you all!
Because of his heterotaxy syndrome (The abnormal placement of the organs during embryonic development associated with his congenital heart defect) his appendix is located in the upper middle region of his abdomen. To prevent any future issues or misdiagnosis' in the future they will also be removing his appendix.
Dr. Reynolds stated that she will try to do the surgery laparoscopically (a type of surgical procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube is inserted). But, she did tell us if she feels that she needs a better view or is uncomfortable doing the surgery laproscopically, since he is still so small, she will perform open abdominal surgery to repair these issues.
Recovery will require a few days in the hospital for monitoring.
And thankfully, heart surgery is not needed at this time. The hole between his ventricles will hopefully repair on its own. The doctors have told us that there is no reason to believe that he can't live a completely normal life with the Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava.
This is the plan for now. We will continue to update as we receive more information and let everyone know how Declan is doing with the surgery and with his recovery. We have high hopes that all will go well and we are so thankful for the many thoughts and prayers in our behalf. We feel very blessed! Thank you all!
6 comments:
Stay strong Ashley! You guys are amazing. We are here to help.
Sounds like Declan will be in good hands!! Love you guys!! Thanks for keeping me posted!
I'm so glad you guys caught this and he will have surgery before anything went wrong. Also, so glad he doesn't need heart surgery right away. Stay positive and know that God has Declan in His hands. Please call if you need someone to talk. I have been there with the hospital stays and even though I can't fully understand what it is like, I might be a good shoulder!
I just came across your blog. My daughter is 9 years old and has heterotaxy polysplenia.
If you have any questions please feel free to visit The Heterotaxy Network on Facebook.
There is a group of us parents on facebook if you need support.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heterotaxy-Network/175957265777460
You can also find Heterotaxy Hope Org on facebook too.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heterotaxy-Hope-Organization-H20/276596106190
Keeping your little one in my thoughts.
Ana
What a blessing to have medical technology to find and fix things like this! Such a relief to hear the drs. prediction that Declan will have a normal life. Love you. Thinking of you!
Thanks for keeping us updated! I hope the surgery is going well and a fast recovery! Praying for you all!
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