16-year-old needs N300,000 for hernia operation

The family of a 16-year-old boy, Akinbolaji Timileyin, is asking for help to pay for his surgery for a right inguinal hernia.

Timileyin was diagnosed with this hernia after he had serious pain in his stomach and private area. He was taken to Oromidayo Medicare Centre for treatment.

A medical report from the clinic noted that Timileyin was taken to the hospital because of his severe pain. "The above-named was rushed to our clinic with complaints of severe abdominal ache with scrotal ache," the report said.

A scan from Joy Medical Diagnostic Centre in Ijoko, Ogun State, showed a compressible mass about 98mm by 76mm in the right upper area of his pelvic canal. "However, noted in the right upper quadrant of the pelvic canal, there is an hyper echogenic pattern of a compressible mass measuring about 98mm × 76mm, associated probe tenderness suggestive of RIGHT INGUINAL HERNIA," the medical centre stated in another report.

The scan also showed that both of Timileyin's testes looked normal. They had smooth outlines and no mass or cyst was found in the right scrotum. The doctors said he needed medical attention for his right inguinal hernia.

Timileyin's mother, Akinbolaji Nofisat, spoke with our reporter on Monday. She said they noticed the problem when her son's private area and stomach started swelling.

She explained, "His private part got swollen, and it also affected his stomach, leading to the swelling of both parts. We took him to the hospital, and we were told he would be operated on, which will cost N400,000.

"The doctor said to save his life, he will sustain him first while we gather the money."

Nofisat added that the pain in his stomach started first. The family tried different herbal remedies before going to the hospital.

“It all started with stomach pain, and different herbal concoctions have been given to him, thinking it will cure him, but it did not,” she said.

So far, the family has raised N100,000 but still needs N300,000 for the surgery.

“We have been able to raise N100,000. It remains N300,000. We seek financial help because it is the only thing delaying the operation,” she pleaded.