Seanna looks at food differently after over R200k surgery for a rare syndrome
The Fourways community raised over R200,000 to bring Dr Domingo Alvear to South Africa to perform his pioneering surgery on a teen who couldnt eat without severe pain.
Seanna Potgieter, a 13-year-old girl from Fourways, has finally undergone life-changing surgery giving her a new lease on life.
After a long struggle with superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, a rare medical condition that made every meal a painful ordeal for her, she can now enjoy her favourite foods without suffering.
The syndrome occurs when the third part of the duodenum becomes compressed between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery.
Read more: Community show support to Seanna who lives with rare syndrome
“This compression can cause a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. It is a challenging disorder to diagnose and manage, and its treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary approach to address the underlying cause of the obstruction,” said her mother Nadia.
She added the gold standard of surgery in South Africa was called duodenojenostomy surgery (DJ surgery). “This is when a bypass is created to join the second part of the duodenum to the jejunum. However, the compression is left in place.”
The teen had two operations last year but they did not alleviate her symptoms and pain.
Also read: Family seeks help with daughters rare syndrome
Through extensive research, the family was able to find an American group chat called SMA Syndrome Warrior, and through it, they were connected to the world’s foremost SMA syndrome specialist Dr Domingo Alvear.
Nadia said Alvear had pioneered a surgery called duodenal derotation surgery or the Alvear method.
Due to a lack of finances, the family had to call for help from the community to bring Alvear to South Africa to perform the surgery on Seanna. The Fourways community headed the call and raised over R200 000 which included funds to donate to Alvear’s non-profit organisation.
Seanna had the surgery on July 23 at Life Fourways Hospital and it was a resounding success.
Nadia said the surgery had not only benefitted her daughter but other children suffering from the syndrome as Alvear had passed on his knowledge to two local paediatricians.
“We are grateful to the Fourways community for helping us and the other children suffering from the same syndrome in the country.”
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