Gaddafi A., 15

Gaddafi is the firstborn child in a family of fifteeen children. he family lives in a five-room clay house with zinc roofing and consists of the father, his three wives, and 15 children. The father is an onion and rice farmer earning about ₦22,000 monthly. All the children attend government day schools through free education. His father struggles to meet the family’s basic needs and unexpected medical expenses. Despite these challenges, Gaddafi is hardworking and dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Gaddafi was brought to the hospital with severe abdominal pain that began in the lower right side and progressively worsened. He also experienced loss of appetite, nausea, and general weakness. Following clinical assessment and investigations, he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Due to the risk of rupture and serious infection, urgent appendectomy was recommended, followed by appropriate postoperative care and monitoring.

Doctor’s Opinion In the doctor’s opinion, Gaddafi, a 15-year-old boy, has acute appendicitis, which requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent complications such as appendix rupture, peritonitis, and severe infection. The prognosis is good with timely appendectomy, appropriate antibiotics, adequate postoperative care, and regular monitoring. With proper treatment, he is expected to make a full recovery and gradually return to his normal activities.If left untreated, acute appendicitis may progress to appendix rupture, severe abdominal infection, sepsis, and potentially life-threatening complications.