WATCH: Caylum’s surgery successful
Springs-born Caylum Willemse has recovered well after his recent nissen fundoplication surgery at the Netcare Clinton Hospital in Alberton.
His father Wayne Willemse (25) says the surgery, which was done on August 19, was needed to strengthen the valve between the oesophagus and stomach due to Caylum’s gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Read more about Caylum.
The eight-month-old baby was born with an abnormal connection between his oesophagus and the windpipe, called a tracheo-oesphageal fistula (TOF) as well as oesophageal atresia (OA).
TOF is an abnormal connection between the oesophagus and the trachea and OA is when the oesophagus develops in two parts, meaning food cannot reach the stomach.
“It was a three-hour long successful operation and we are happy that Caylum was moved from the ICU about three weeks ago and placed in high care in a paediatric ward,” says Wayne.
Since the operation his son has gained weight and now weighs 8.15kg.
The baby’s parents are proud to announce he is now lying flat on his back when he drinks his bottle, he hardly has any reflux and the nasogastric tube (NG tube) was removed.
Caylum’s mother Samantha Willemse (30) still updates her son’s condition on his Facebook page.
The couple received an estimate amount for the much-needed posterior tracheopexy operation to be conducted in Boston in America.
“We are still waiting for the exact costs involved and are also waiting for a possible date,” says Wayne.
Unfortunately the operation cannot be done in South Africa, therefore, Caylum needs to go to Boston for this life-changing operation.
“We are grateful for the South Africans who informed their family and friends in Boston about Caylum’s condition,” says Wayne.
There are families who offered us accommodation and transport to and from the hospital in Boston.
Caylum will still need medical supervision for the first month or two after the family returns to South Africa.
However, the couple is humbled by all the support and contributions towards the funds needed to take Caylum to the States.
