Lagos Woman Seeks Help With Son’s Missing Intestine

Abiodun Deborah, a mother, is urging the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, to launch a comprehensive investigation into the disappearance of her 12-year-old son, Adebola Akin-Bright’s small intestine.

The incident is alleged to have occurred during his treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos.

She explained that their ordeal started when surgeons at LASUTH informed her that her son’s intestine had gone missing after corrective surgery on July 14, 2023.

Adebola started receiving medical treatment at Obitoks Medical Centre, a private hospital located in Ile Epo, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. He sought treatment thereafter, experiencing complications following surgery to address intestinal obstruction.

Deborah shared her traumatic journey in a viral video that has been widely shared on social media. In the video, she explained that her son began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea in March of this year. They took him to the hospital, where the doctors suspected typhoid, and treated him accordingly. However, after approximately five days with no improvement in his condition, they made the decision to transfer him to Obitoks Medical Centre.

It was at this new hospital that medical professionals discovered he had a ruptured appendix, which necessitated immediate surgical intervention. After spending approximately two weeks in the hospital, he made a healthy recovery and was able to return to school, where he performed admirably.

“In June, Adebola sadly experienced stomach pain, which prompted us to return to the hospital (Obitoks). Subsequently, it was determined that he had developed an intestinal obstruction, which required an additional surgical procedure” Deborah narrated.

A complication arose when the boy continued to drain bilious fluid for more than seven days after the surgery. Dr. Abayomi Baiyewu, the Chief Medical Director at Obitoks, recommended further surgery and went the extra mile to arrange for the assistance of a professor from a Teaching Hospital.

However, Deborah and her family chose LASUTH because they believed it would provide more comprehensive care.

Further Complications and Missing Small Intestine

Upon arriving at LASUTH, a series of tests were conducted, and the doctors indicated that Adebola might not need another surgery. Instead, the healthcare professionals recommended a conservative treatment approach and prescribed a variety of medications. However, after a period of 25 days, the doctors reached the decision that surgery was the most suitable and appropriate course of action.

However, the consultant surgeon who performed the surgery informed Adebola’s mother that his small intestine was missing. They also expressed their concern that his survival could not be guaranteed beyond five days.

Deborah explained that the boy’s ability to absorb nutrients from food was no longer possible, and he might have to depend on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administered intravenously for the remainder of his life.

She expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “I was completely shocked and devastated. It felt as though my entire life had been shattered, like a plot straight out of a Nollywood movie. Where could a small intestine that is 26 feet long have gone?”

Deborah mentioned that she reached out to the surgeon at Obitoks Hospital, who had performed the previous surgeries. The surgeon also expressed surprise upon hearing that LASUTH claimed they were unable to locate the boy’s intestine.

Adebola’s mother also stated that the Doctor at Obitoks Hospital confirmed that he would not have recommended them to a government hospital in that situation. He clearly outlined his actions in the referral letter.

LASUTH Denies Culpability.

In response to the allegations, the management of LASUTH on its official X (Formerly Twitter) handle, @LASUTHikeja denied any culpability in the disappearance of the boy’s intestines. LASUTH acknowledged that they had performed corrective surgery on the patient but denied that they intentionally removed any organ or structure from his body. They were keen to point out that the patient had previously undergone two surgeries at a private hospital before being referred to the tertiary health institution.

“The patient in question was referred to our hospital after having two surgeries carried out in a private hospital. He required extensive optimisation in our facility before a corrective surgery could be carried out,” LASUTH stated.

The hospital management explained in the statement that they have a comprehensive report containing the findings of a panel they established to investigate the potential outcomes of the case. They also assured that they are cooperating with the state agency that is currently investigating the unfortunate incident.

The hospital management is once again addressing the concerns raised by a mother in a viral video regarding the alleged loss of her son’s intestines after surgery. They want to clarify that this matter is between a private hospital and LASUTH.

“Our hospital is an excellent tertiary institution with highly knowledgeable and skilled medical consultants. We are also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities” the hospital said.