Baby burned at CCMC set for surgery today

CEBU, Philippines - Kean Villarico, the baby who suffered the worst injuries among the three babies burned by the lamp explosion at the Cebu City Medical Center, is set to undergo skin graft surgery today.

Michelle Villarico, Kean’s mother, said that doctors at the Chong Hua Hospital have scheduled her son for surgery today or tomorrow, as they have observed that his condition is getting more stable and he is ready for the procedure.

Kean suffered third-degree burns after a lamp used to provide heat to the newborns exploded last February 20. Kean was the worst injured while the two other babies suffered from minor to moderate injuries. Baby boy Ibañez had 30 percent of his body injured while baby girl Maglasang was only injured in her left arm.

Kean and baby boy Ibañez was transferred to the Chong Hua Hospital to get further medical attention while baby girl Maglasang was immediately discharged.

CCMC chief Dr. Eduardo Sedoripa said that baby boy Ibañez is already in good condition and was already cleared at the hospital. But the parents requested he remain in the hospital until he fully recovers.

Kean remains in the Intensive Care Unit for observation. Last week, he had episodes of seizures prompting the doctors to conduct a CT scan to check brain activity and to see if there was infection in the brain.

His brain was found to be normal and Michelle said that doctors told her the seizures might have been caused by the pain from the burns.

Michelle said that her son’s burns are starting to heal. He will undergo skin grafting or skin transplant to replace the burned parts.

The Cebu City Government will shoulder all the hospital and medical bills of the victims.

Within this week, baby boy Ibañez will be baptized at the hospital and his parents will take Sedoripa as the godfather.

The CCMC chief often visits the babies to monitor their development.

Last March 1, Kean was also baptized in the hospital. A priest from the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral went to the Chong Hua Hospital for the christening since the baby could not be taken outside.

Sedoripa said that they still use gooseneck lamps at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit but with more precaution this time. They will use gooseneck lamps until the five halogen bulbs they order are delivered.

Sedoripa said that nurses are also monitoring the PICU intensely to avoid similar incidents.    (FREEMAN NEWS)