A baby girl whose grandmother hails from Cork has undergone a world-first operation where she received a new intestine, stomach, liver, pancreas, and spleen – and all in one day.
Baby Emma, who is 17 months old, underwent a 14-hour transplant operation in Madrid a few months ago.
When Emma’s mother, Anna, who works in a hospital in Spain, was eight months pregnant doctors discovered that Emma’s intestine was a bit short. Her family was reassured that a simple operation following her birth would rectify the problem.
However, after Emma was born it was discovered that her medical condition was much more complicated than previously thought and her intestine was “ultra-short,” according to her grandmother, Helen O’Sullivan, who is originally from Blarney, Co Cork
Emma was in hospital for six months after her birth and had four unsuccessful operations before the recent transplant.
“Naturally, a transplant was the only way,” Helen said of Emma’s survival chances.
The medical team that carried out the pioneering surgery had been researching for years, and once Emma’s case came to light, it was decided to put the research into practice.
Helen described the operation as “very risky” due to intestine transplants having a high risk of failure. She told PJ Coogan on Cork’s 96fm that the operation was a “very heavy transplant” due to Emma receiving five separate organs.
She received a new stomach, spleen, pancreas, and liver, in addition to the intestine during a mammoth operation involving dozens of specialists,
“We got back a new baby,” Helen said of the successful operation.
“It was the worst day of our lives and at the same time, the best day.”
The transplant was an asystole donation, meaning it was started once doctors confirmed the absence of a heartbeat and breathing functions of the donor. The intestine had to be removed before the donor died as it would deteriorate immediately upon death.
“The organ transplanted couldn’t deteriorate in the meantime, so everything was so quick,” said Helen.
Emma spent four days in intensive care following the surgery but had no rejections or side effects from the transplants. Helen said that she is “thriving” and “fully recovered” following the operation.
“The surgeons are delighted with their breakthrough, but this is a breakthrough for other patients,” Helen said. “It must be very sad for the donor as you can imagine, their baby died and saved our baby’s life.”
Ms O’Sullivan moved from Blarney to Spain in 1974 to start a language school while Franco was in power.
At a time when English was forbidden, Helen said it was a difficult period to be in Spain. She gave private “hidden” classes in her home.
After the death of Franco, she said there was a “complete change” in Spain with many people seeking English classes.
She married a Spaniard, and they have three sons who were all born in Spain.
News source: Irish Examiner