Finally Able to Use the Toilet Normally: Girl with Anorectal Malformation from West Africa Hopes to Become a Doctor

Taipei, June 22 (CNA) "I can finally use the toilet like other children!" Miracle, a young girl from West Africa, who suffered from congenital anorectal malformation for many years, traveled halfway across the world to seek help in Taiwan. A medical team at Taipei Medical University Hospital spent four months reconstructing her anus and intestines, restoring her smile and her dream of becoming a doctor.

This cross-border medical aid originated from a mother's courage not to give up. Taipei Medical University Hospital held a press conference this morning to celebrate Miracle's new life, who is from Nigeria in West Africa, and to thank the Taiwan Root Medical Rescue Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the medical team for their joint efforts. After returning home, Miracle hopes to return to school and pursue her dream of becoming a physician.

Miracle was born with congenital anorectal malformation. Due to the scarcity of local medical resources, she could only rely on a temporary colostomy to sustain her life. Her mother, Jennifer, shared that due to their impoverished family background, Miracle couldn't afford a dedicated ostomy bag for many years and had to use diapers. Later, she resorted to using bandages, washing and reusing them. Due to long-term developmental delays and abdominal distension, Miracle faced stigmatization throughout her childhood.

To secure a glimmer of hope, Jennifer sold her family assets to raise money for travel expenses and embarked on a difficult journey with her child. The mother and daughter endured a 15-hour car ride to the airport and departed for Taiwan at the end of February. During the flight, Jennifer had to change the bandages for her child in the cramped airplane lavatory. Every bend and every cleanup carried the hope of crossing half the globe.

"Eating and using the toilet are ordinary daily activities for most children, but for Miracle, it was a dream realized after traveling thousands of miles," said Dr. Shih Chun-ming, Superintendent of Taipei Medical University Hospital, with emotion. He added that this treatment not only showcased the medical expertise of TMUH but also highlighted the value of medicine, which is not just about treating diseases but also about bringing change and hope to lives.

The TMUH team, led by Dr. Huang Fu-huan, Vice Superintendent of the Department of Surgery and Director of Pediatric Surgery, integrated pediatric critical care, nursing teams, radiology, and the international medical center to form a multidisciplinary team and formulate a treatment strategy.

Dr. Huang explained that anorectal malformation is a congenital intestinal developmental abnormality. If a normal defecation pathway is not reconstructed in time, it not only affects nutrient absorption and growth but can also lead to recurrent infections, reducing the quality of life.

Furthermore, Dr. Huang pointed out that in addition to intestinal dysfunction, genitourinary system malformations may also be present. The risks of surgery and anesthesia are higher than in typical cases. Comprehensive pre-operative examinations and evaluations are necessary to confirm the intestinal structure and genitourinary system function to achieve the best treatment outcome within the limited stay period.

The medical team completed the critical treatment in two phases over four months. The first phase involved anoplasty, and the second phase completed intestinal reconstruction and the closure of the temporary colostomy. Dr. Huang stated that the treatment aims not only to improve Miracle's quality of life but also to lay the foundation for her future healthy growth.

After the surgery, Dr. Huang noted that Miracle can now eat smoothly and defecate normally through the reconstructed anus. Her weight is steadily increasing, and her appetite and spirits have significantly improved. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 0622

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