Tuen Mun Hospital announces a baby girl case of biliary atresia
***************************************************************
The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement today (September 14) on a baby girl case of biliary atresia:
A three-month-old infant girl was referred to the Neonatal Jaundice Clinic at TMH in mid-July this year for treatment of jaundice. After examining by the paediatricians, she was found to have elevated bilirubin level. A few days later, the infant was arranged to have the EHIDA scan by the Department of Nuclear Medicine. The examination report has ruled out the possibility of having complete biliary obstruction. Based on the report, the paediatricians further arranged follow up appointments and other examinations for the infant in order to investigate the underlying causes for prolonged jaundice and to formulate the treatment plan. Throughout the process, TMH has been communicating with the family to explain on the treatment plan.
Since the infant continued to suffer from prolonged jaundice, TMH has arranged the paediatric surgeons from the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) to assess her in early September. After the clinical examinations and reviewing the previous examination reports, the paediatric surgeons decided to arrange the infant to have an operation on September 11. During the operation, it was confirmed that the infant has biliary atresia and a drainage operation (Kasai operation) was then performed. Postoperatively, the infant is now staying at PWH with stable condition.
TMH management received the report of the incident yesterday (September 13) and carried out a preliminary investigation immediately. The hospital including doctors and patient relation officer met the family today and offered apology for not being able to timely diagnose the congenital biliary atresia so to perform the operation early. TMH is very concerned about the treatment for the infant and an expert panel will be set up to review the care process.
TMH has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office and will work with PWH to continue to follow up the condition of the infant. The patient relations officer will continue to provide the necessary support and assistance to the infant’s family.
Ends/Friday, September 14, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:34
Issued at HKT 20:34
NNNN