UNAIR NEWS – Retno Willis stroked her baby’s head and cheeks. Being overwhelmed, she shed her tears and told the media that she was thankful for Aqila Kirana Salim, her second child, as last night she smiled. Her body has been able to receive a response from the mother as well. Retno admitted that the condition has improved considerably compared to two weeks ago when her baby was taken to Universitas Airlangga Hospital (RS UNAIR).

Aqila Kirana Salim, 1.5 year old baby, has passed her critical period before experiencing eight hours of Hydrocephalus surgery on Thursday, February 22. The pediatrician who handles Aqila, dr Robby Nurhariansyah spA, said that throughout a complex operation, a fluid evacuation has been done from Aqila’s brain. Now the structure and pressure in the brain have improved.

“Right now the conditions are very good. Nice eye contact. Her daughter began to recognize her mother’s voice, recognize the sound of the environment, and her hand gestures are good. And, last night the child’s hand was able to reach his mother, “said doctor Robby.

Because the baby’s surgery was so complicated with lots of bleeding, Robby also said that Aqila has lost some weight. When she arrived in RS UNAIR, her weight was 7 kg and now it was 6.3 kg. “This is understandable because it is post-surgery,” he continued.

Two weeks after the surgery, Aqila’s nutrition is being improved with solid food and milk. The plan, with 3-4 months of observation, the second phase surgery could be done in August.

Previously, UNAIR Hospital has ever handled hydrocephalus case but this time, the case was rare because it is accompanied by Craniosynostosis. Doctor Robby explained that babies with Hydrocephalus can be detected since in the womb.

The sooner the parents realize the importance of immediate treatment, the baby can be treated immediately. The likelihood of survival is much higher then.

Meanwhile, Retno was very grateful that she could met dr. Indri Lakshmi Putri, Sp.BP-RE (KKF) as craniofacial reconstruction plastic surgeon RS UNAIR and the team that handles Aqila operations. For her, the health of Aqila is of the utmost importance today.

“Right now the goal is her health. No complaints. She can live and we keep trying. If later she could grow like her brother, that’s a bonus for us, “said Retno.

“What do you want to hear from Aqila when she can talk?” asked one of the media crew to Retno. Holding back her tears, Retno said “I want her to call mama, father, brother, and recite the verses we taught her.” (*)

Author: Binti Q. Masruroh

Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifai