A GOOD Samaritan who was deeply moved by three-year-old Nkanyiso Sibanda’s severely disfigured hand has assisted in helping him get medical treatment.

Juan Pierre le Roux first heard about the boy’s situation from Nkanyiso’s father Menias.

“We were very sad to hear that Sibanda had sustained burn wounds after falling into a bath of boiling hot water in November last year and that he had to spend seven weeks in hospital,”  said Le Roux.

He said when he actually saw for the first time how badly damaged Sibanda hand was, he was shocked.

The little boy’s hand was covered in scar tissue and he could not move his wrist or fingers.

Le Roux suggested they seek help for the toddler at the Netcare Olivedale Hospital.

They consulted with plastic, reconstructive and hand surgeon, Dr Siegmund Johannes who along with his team and the hospital agreed to provide treatment, surgery, theatre and ward fees  completely free of charge.

“This was a wonderful, most unexpected gesture by the medical practitioners and Netcare Olivedale Hospital. We are deeply grateful to all,” said Le Roux.

The toddler was operated on last Tuesday.

According to  Dr Johannes the surgery, which took nearly four hours to complete, went very well and appears to have been successful.

“The burns he sustained caused complete immobility of Sibanda’s thumb and wrist,” he said.

Dr Johannes explained that they had cut the scar tissue and successfully released the contracture.

“We then grafted an extensive amount of tissue from both groins onto his little hand,” he added.

Sibanda was discharged this week and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

– care@citizen.co.za