Bangladesh's young boy recovering after undergoing specialized surgery in Hubei

A one-year-old boy from Bangladesh has recovered after undergoing a complex cranial reconstruction surgery in central China's Hubei province.

Alifa was diagnosed with sagittal craniosynostosis at just three months old, a condition in which the suture on the top of his skull fuse too early.

"Premature fusion of cranial sutures can deform the skull, increase pressure inside the head and, in severe cases, cause vision loss or epilepsy," Ma Yunfu, director of the neurosurgery department of Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, explained.

The boy's parents sought help from several hospitals in Bangladesh, but the surgery was considered too difficult to perform locally. Their chance for treatment came when Alifa's uncle, who was studying in Wuhan, learned that the hospital specializes in correcting cranial deformities in children.

After reviewing Alifa's medical records, Ma determined the boy was a good candidate for surgery. "Each child's skull anatomy is unique, so my team must design an individualized surgical plan," Ma said.

The team performed the delicate reconstruction on Sept 24, reshaping and stabilizing the skull. A CT scan the following day showed the procedure was successful, according to the hospital.

Alifa recovered quickly. Within days, he could eat and move normally, and his head shape began to return to a typical contour. Doctors said he is now in stable condition and is expected to be discharged soon.