The parent of a two-year-old girl whose colon was ruptured after licks from a woman is scheduled to undergo another major surgery today at the Wendy Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital in Mt Hope.
Last Sunday, doctors had to perform an emergency operation on the toddler after she was punched in the stomach and back over a period of time by a close female friend of the family who lives in Diego Martin.
The toddler suffered a ruptured colon during the beating last Saturday and doctors had to work on her in a two-and-half hour operation.
Part of the child’s bowels also had gangrene.
Following the surgery, doctors were unable to stitch up the opening due to swelling around the child’s stomach and arteries.
Since then she has been warded in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hooked up to life support.
The findings by the medical doctors prompted a full-scale investigation by the T&T Police Service’s Child Protection Unit (CPU). Since then CPU investigators have been visiting the ICU every day to get updates on the toddler’s condition.
Investigators are expected to receive a medical report from the hospital soon.
On Saturday, the Children’s Authority of T&T, condemned the brutal beating, stating that they were working with the police on the matter.
Yesterday, the 27-year-old mother of the toddler was in an upbeat spirit, stating that her daughter’s condition had improved a little.
“We went and see her in ICU today. She was up and aware of her surroundings. Most of the swelling around her stomach has gone down. She is looking much better. Every day we have been hearing from the doctors that our daughter could die. So seeing her condition changed for the better was a good sign. At least it brought a smile on our faces,” the mother said.
She said her daughter was not out of the woods yet, as she had to undergo another surgery today to close the opening in her stomach.
“We don’t know what time is the operation and how long it will take. The doctors have not spoken to us as yet. Tomorrow is nerves, stress and worries. We are just hoping that she pulls through this one because she has been through so much in the last few days. We are just keeping our fingers crossed and praying and asking God for everything to be okay,” the mother said.
An officer at the CPU said yesterday they were still conducting interviews and assured that a comprehensive investigation will be done.