In a remarkable medical triumph, a premature baby born at just 27 weeks and weighing less than a kilogram has survived an extremely rare and life-threatening condition known as Amyand’s hernia. The infant, Sid Elian Mattheus Casino, underwent a complex surgery at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, defying the odds to recover from a condition that occurs in only 0.1% of cases worldwide. Amyand’s hernia involves a perforated appendix trapped in the inguinal canal and extending into the scrotum, a condition almost unheard of in premature infants. For first-time parents Stewart John and Isabel Mari Casiño, Sid’s early arrival was both a joyous and terrifying experience. Isabel first met her baby 12 hours after delivery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), surrounded by machines and wires. “My heart was breaking and overflowing at the same time,” she recalled. “I wished I could just hold him and protect him.” Three weeks later, when Sid developed swelling in his belly and scrotum, doctors diagnosed the hernia. Despite initial fears, Isabel placed her trust in Professor Dr. Amulya Saxena, a consultant pediatric surgeon at Burjeel Hospital, who assured her that Sid would survive. The emergency surgery, performed by Dr. Saxena and his team, involved removing the perforated appendix and preserving the tiny testicle while ensuring no contamination or infection. Sid’s recovery in the NICU was slow but steady, and after ten weeks of intensive care, the family finally took him home. At discharge, he weighed 1.8 kilograms, and a month later, his weight nearly doubled to 3.3 kilograms. “Every day is a win for us,” said Isabel. “My baby has shown me what true strength is.” Dr. Saxena attributed Sid’s recovery to prompt diagnosis, meticulous surgical work, and coordinated care. “Seeing him healthy and thriving today is the most rewarding outcome for our entire team,” he said.
UAE: Premature baby survives life-threatening condition seen in 0.1% cases worldwide
