Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Filipino Boy Gets Back Vision After Reconstruction Of Disfigured Face

by Sasikala Radhakrishnan on July 3, 2014 at 2:38 PM
 Filipino Boy Gets Back Vision After Reconstruction Of Disfigured Face

Melbourne surgeons have restored vision to a 7-year-old Filipino boy Jhonny Lameon after reconstruction of his disfigured face.

Jhonny Lameon suffers from a rare congenital defect called frontonasal encephalocele in which the neural tubes fail to fuse in the womb during fetal growth. As a result, brain matter and fluids bulge out from the skull in the form of a membranous sac.

Advertisement

In Jhonny's case, the protruding bulge was the size of a rock melon weighing about 1.5 kg, impairing his vision.

Almost his entire face, including the nose and mouth, got concealed behind the protrusion, and he had to every time lift up the protruding tumor in order to eat and drink.
Advertisement

Moreover, his disfigured face made him an object of derision.

However, his life started to change for the better when a team from a non-for-profit organization, Interplast, came forward to fly him over to Melbourne for treatment.

In March of this year, at Monash Children's Hospital, plastic surgeon James Leong, along with a group of volunteers, successfully performed a complex 8-hour surgery in which the huge-sized tumor was removed and brought his two eye orbits together.  They found the tumor contained fluid and a small amount of brain tissue.

Jhonny also underwent reconstruction of his nose with his rib cartilage.

Children First Foundation made accommodation arrangements for Jhonny, his mum Chochi and her 3-month-old son Jack.

After the surgery, the change to Jhonny's face was dramatic.

Dr. Leong said ''His condition is cured now, which is going to be fantastic for him.''

Jhonny's mother, Chochi Lameon, turned teary eyed when she tried to explain her son's condition.  

She said "I cry because I'm very happy."

Lameon also said that her son was desperately missing his nine other siblings and was eagerly waiting to return to school.

Source: Medindia
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Genetics & Stem Cells News

New Gene Therapy to Treat Genetic Brain Disorder
NGN-401 is a first ever new gene therapy discovered to cure a rare genetic brain disorder called Rett Syndrome.
Early-Stage Stem Cell Trial for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Among MS patients, the stem cells showed a neuroprotective role, guarding nerve cells from further decline.
Human Genetics Unravels Mysteries of Digestive Disorders
New possibilities for research on digestive diseases have been set by complete decoding of the Y chromosome.
World's First CRISPR-Based Gene Therapy for Blood Disorders
UK has given the green light to the world's inaugural gene therapy for sickle-cell disease and thalassemia.
Genotype Linked to Short-Lifespan Affects 1 in 25 People
1 in 25 people had a genotype linked to short lifetime, which includes BRCA2 and LDLR genes, that reduced lifespan by seven years, and six years respectively.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Filipino Boy Gets Back Vision After Reconstruction Of Disfigured Face Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests