Kellisha Jasson, an eight-month-old girl, was recently diagnosed with an imperforate anus, a rare condition involving the malformation of the rectum. The defect was initially undiagnosed by Settlers Hospital, which left Kellisha having to defecate from her urethra.
Kellisha Jasson, an eight-month-old girl, was recently diagnosed with an imperforate anus, a rare condition involving the malformation of the rectum. The defect was initially undiagnosed by Settlers Hospital, which left Kellisha having to defecate from her urethra.
This is a birth defect which affects the anal cavity, and in Kellisha’s case, she was born without an anus. This defect is usually detected immediately after birth, and the decision to perform a colostomy (a reversible surgical procedure in which an opening is formed by drawing the end of the large intestine or colon through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place) is usually taken within the first 24 hours after birth.
Four days after birth, Kellisha was taken back to Settlers with a bloated stomach and the hospital diagnosed her as constipated. Four months later, Kellisha was again taken to Settlers where a doctor identified the condition.
Eastern Cape Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo chose not to comment, referring Grocott’s Mail to a complaints phone line which was constantly engaged.
The first of a series of three required corrective operations has been set for 2 August this year at the Dora Nginza hospital in East London.
Kellisha’s mother, Alwine, wishes the operation could happen sooner as “she is in so much pain each
time she needs to go to the loo.” She is also concerned about the poor state of Dora Nginza and is investigating alternative hospitals.
Alwine has since had to leave her job at Checkers to look after Kellisha, and is struggling financially. If anyone has any donations or advice for the family, either come to Grocott’s Mail (40 High Street) or contact Alwine’s mother Priscilla Jasson on 072 651 8301.
