KUWAIT: Dr Mohammed Al-Suleimi, consultant bariatric surgeon at Al-Sabah Hospital, announced on Wednesday the successful treatment of a rare medical condition, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, which affects only 0.1 percent of the global population. The operation was performed using a surgical endoscope and involved a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, a procedure that reroutes the third part of the duodenum.

Dr Al-Suleimi said the surgery was conducted on a 17-year-old patient who had been suffering from chronic regurgitation and an inability to eat or drink. The patient was previously misdiagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia at another hospital and underwent repair surgery, which failed to resolve his condition. The patient later presented to Al-Sabah Hospital with severe pain, vomiting, and significant underweight, with a body mass index of just 16. Examination revealed a compressed section of the duodenum trapped between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, caused by a narrow arterial angle of less than 12 degrees (normal range: 28–60 degrees).

Dr Al-Suleimi confirmed that the patient’s condition is now improving significantly, having gained 7 kilograms in a short period after resuming normal eating and drinking, reflecting the success of the procedure. Before the operation, the patient was unable to even consume liquids. He explained that while gastric bypass surgery is sometimes used in such cases, the optimal treatment is a bypass at the third part of the duodenum—a complex operation due to the duodenum’s deep location near the spine. The procedure required careful dissection to avoid complications.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome occurs when the artery compresses the duodenum, causing partial or complete obstruction that can lead to nausea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, and other symptoms. The condition is typically associated with very low body weight and is often linked to psychological factors. Dr Al-Suleimi expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadi for providing hospitals with advanced medical equipment that enables physicians to deliver high-quality care to patients.

KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah conducted an inspection visit on Wednesday to a shelter for battered women under the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) to review workflow and assess the quality of services provided to residents.

In a press statement following the visit, Dr Al-Huwailah emphasized the importance of continually enhancing humanitarian services within shelters and strengthening coordination among relevant authorities to ensure a prompt and effective response to cases. She highlighted her commitment to monitoring social facilities directly, identifying beneficiaries’ needs, and developing services to provide the highest standards of care and protection. — KUNA

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah on Wednesday honored Corporal Khaled Musaed Al-Dhafiri of the General Department of Land Ports Security at Salmi Border Crossing, in recognition of his vigilance, dedication and exemplary security efforts. The ceremony was held in the presence of Salmi Border Crossing Administration Director Brigadier Ali Al-Tammar.

According to a ministry press statement, Al-Dhafiri successfully thwarted an attempt by an individual to enter Kuwait illegally using an entry printout belonging to another person in an effort to mislead security personnel. Subsequent security checks revealed that the individual was wanted in multiple cases over several years.

The ministry underscored that this achievement reflects the alertness and professionalism of Land Ports Security personnel, highlighting their critical role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and preventing illegal crossings. It praised the officer’s sense of responsibility and the high level of diligence exhibited by security staff in carrying out their duties. — KUNA