Every child deserves the chance to see the world and more importantly, the chance to live. At Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, that belief continues to inspire extraordinary medical achievements.
In a landmark success for pediatric ophthalmology in Pakistan, surgeons at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital have successfully performed a rare, life-saving operation on a three-day-old newborn diagnosed with an aggressive congenital eye tumor. The procedure is believed to be the first documented case in Pakistan involving the successful removal of a 285-gram congenital eye tumor from an infant of such a young age.
Haram Fatima, belonging to a village in Jhelum district, was brought to Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital immediately after birth with a rapidly enlarging tumor affecting one eye. The condition was progressing at an alarming rate, posing a serious threat not only to her vision but also to the Haram’s life.
Following an urgent evaluation by the hospital’s pediatric ophthalmology and ocular oncology specialists, it became evident that immediate surgical intervention was the only viable option to prevent potentially fatal complications.
The complex surgery was successfully performed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising: Dr. Tayyab Afghani, Dr. Faizan Tahir, Dr. Ali Raza Syed, Dr. Aiman. The surgical team was supported by experienced anesthetists, nurses, and healthcare professionals who worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for the newborn.
Due to the advanced stage and aggressive nature of the disease, surgeons made the difficult but necessary decision to remove the affected eye in order to completely excise the tumor and save the infant’s life.
A Tumor 95 Times Larger Than a Newborn’s Eye
The magnitude of this case makes it exceptionally rare!
A normal newborn eyeball weighs approximately 3 grams. The tumor removed during surgery weighed an astonishing 285 grams; nearly 95 times heavier than the eye itself. Such an enormous congenital tumor in a newborn is an exceptionally uncommon medical presentation and required highly specialized surgical expertise.
According to Dr. Tayyab Afghani, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, the surgery was successfully completed, and the infant is recovering well under close medical supervision.
While the loss of one eye is undoubtedly significant, the timely intervention has given the child something even more precious; a chance at life. The infant will continue to receive comprehensive follow-up care, including rehabilitation and prosthetic eye planning at the appropriate stage of development.
This remarkable achievement reflects Al-Shifa Trust’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class eye care, even in the most complex and challenging cases. The hospital remains at the forefront of pediatric ophthalmology, ocular oncology, and specialized eye care, ensuring that patients from every corner of Pakistan have access to timely, expert treatment regardless of their financial circumstances.
Every successful surgery is more than a medical milestone; it is a story of hope, dedication, innovation, and the collective commitment of healthcare professionals who refuse to give up, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.
As Pakistan’s leading charitable eye care institution, Al-Shifa Trust continues to push the boundaries of medical excellence, transforming lives one patient at a time and ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a healthier, brighter future.
