Breakthrough in Nigeria’s Healthcare: 5-Year-Old Undergoes Successful Open-Heart Surgery as FG Unveils Major Cancer Care Initiative

 In a major medical milestone, Duchess International Hospital, Lagos, has successfully carried out a complex open-heart surgery on a five-year-old boy, known as Master D. The groundbreaking surgery, which lasted about 15 hours over three days (May 19–21), was performed by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Mudasiru Salami, a top Cardiothoracic and Pediatric Surgeon.

Dr. Salami announced the success of the surgery with pride, stating:

“We successfully repaired multiple heart defects in Master D, and he’s recovering well. This reflects the incredible skill and dedication of our entire team.”

The young patient was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that severely affected his blood circulation and posed serious health risks. The surgical team corrected several heart abnormalities, including a hole between the heart’s lower chambers, a narrowed pulmonary artery, and thickened heart muscle.

Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, CEO of the hospital, highlighted the hospital’s mission to provide world-class care, saying:

“This surgery exemplifies our commitment to medical excellence and saving lives.”

Master D's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adetona, were full of gratitude.

“We’re overwhelmed with joy and thankful to the doctors and nurses who gave our son a second chance at life. They are angels in white coats,” said Mrs. Adetona tearfully.

The operation was a team effort, involving specialists like Dr. Bassey Udom, Dr. Oladele Ojo, Mrs. Adeola Lawal, and Mr. Ayomide Ajani—a testament to the collaborative strength of the hospital’s cardiac unit.