Big operation for little one
SASOLBURG. - Liané was born premature on 18 February 2018. When she was two months old her parents noticed she had an odd shaped head. It seemed to be long and a bit squished on the sides. “We talked to the doctor about her head shape. He scheduled a CT scan and at 8 months Craniosynostosis was diagnosed,” says Charisse van der Merwe (mother).
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of the sutures close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth. Premature closure of the sutures may also cause pressure inside the head to increase and the skull or facial bones to change from a normal, symmetrical appearance.
Her sagittal suture closed prematurely. At that stage her parents also noticed that she seemed to be getting headaches, which could be a sign of pressure on her brain.
“We went to Dr JJ Labuschagne at Unitas Hospital in Centurion. He told us that the sagittal suture is closed as well as the metopic suture.
“She needs surgery to correct both. The surgery date is 3 January 2019,” says Charisse.
They were also told that he would have to cut out a piece of her skull to correct the shape of her head and to make room for her brain to grow and develop. Heavy blood loss during surgery is expected and she might need a blood transfusion during surgery.
The hospital is about 130km away from where the Van der Merwe’s live, and Liané might have to stay in hospital for more or less a week.
Her parents will have to cover a lot of expenses during this time and although they will have a co-payment at the hospital, will greatly appreciate any assistance.
* If there are any businesses or Samaritans who would like to help this family, please contact Charisse at 082 697 1144.
