The intestines and spleen had moved to the chest cavity of the patient obstructing the functions of the left lung
Dubai: A multi-disciplinary team of doctors has saved the life of an Indian woman whose left lung was blocked by abdominal organs causing severe complications.
Fajrul Farveen Mohamed, 33, had been fighting chest pain and breathing difficulty for about two months since March, post her recovery from COVID-19.
“It was very distressing. I struggled to breathe, and my chest ached. My husband and I were deeply emotionally devastated and did not know what to do,” said Fajrul recalling her experience of those days.
Fajrul and her husband had gone to several hospitals. Nobody could offer her a cure or a permanent solution to her problems.
“I tested positive for COVID-19 in January. It was after this that I started experiencing these difficulties. The doctors we consulted told us it was a post-covid complication, and the difficulties would subside gradually. But for us, life was becoming miserable. I cannot express the emotional toll it had on us,” added Fajrul.
She and her husband came to Aster Hospital, Qusais, in May, after being referred by a doctor in one of the facilities she consulted. The doctor had found some abnormalities in my chest and referred me to a surgeon. At the hospital, they consulted Dr. Abdul Rehman, specialist gastrointestinal surgery.
Diagnoses diaphragmatic hernia
Dr. Abdul Rehman examined Fajrul and subjected her to a CT scan, which revealed she had a diaphragmatic hernia.
“The doctor explained that there is an opening in my diaphragm. The abdominal organs had blocked my left lung by moving into the chest cavity through this opening,” said Fajrul.
Diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital disorder, and babies undergo a repair procedure immediately post-delivery. In a healthy individual, the complication can occur due to any damage to the diaphragm following an accident.
“Fajrul had no history of an injury in the past. In her case, the congenital issue does not stand. Possibly, it could be due to a violent cough during her COVID-19 days. She had a severe cough during the time. Coughing rarely causes this condition, but there are studies suggesting the possibilities. With no other reasons, we assume it is due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Abdul Rehman.
Undergoes laparoscopic repair procedure
According to the doctor, she had to undergo a laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair procedure.
“Fajrul’s was a complicated case. The intestines, omentum, and spleen had completely obstructed her left lung. So, we took advice from a pulmonologist on her condition. Dr. Mohammed Shafeeq, specialist pulmonology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, examined her and confirmed that she was fit to undergo the procedure,” added Dr. Rehman.
Through the procedure, the doctor cleared the obstruction and closed the opening in the diaphragm using a mesh.
Post the surgery, Fajrul did not experience any difficulties and felt better. “I do not feel shortness of breath or pain in the chest anymore. After a long time, my husband and I are having peaceful days in our life. Thanks to Dr. Abdul and the nurses at Aster Hospital. They gave us confidence and treated us like family. We are grateful to each of them,” said Fajrul.
Fajrul was discharged on the third day post the surgery. The doctor has advised her to rest for three weeks following which she can continue with her routine life.
