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The Cuban girl Amanda Lemus Ortiz underwent surgery on Monday at a hospital in Spain to have a stent placed in her bile duct.
The operation was very lengthy, but the doctors achieved their goal, according to activist Yamilka Lafita (Lara Crofs) on Facebook.
At 3:00 PM, mainland Spain time, the little girl was still in the living room.
"The surgery was quite challenging because it was almost closed, which is why there has been such a delay. They are still working on her, but the goal has been achieved. We are still waiting for her to come out of the operating room, but for now, everything is going well," he explained.
About an hour and a half later, Lara Crofs shared a message that Mila Ortiz, the little girl's mother, sent her after she was taken out of the room.
"All is well, thank God. They are still preparing it; I haven't seen it yet, but the doctors told me everything went well. They took a long time because it was complex, but the stent is already in place. It was quite a major surgery, but that's it. Now we just have to wait for recovery," he detailed.
Amanda, who underwent a liver transplant in Spain last March, had to be hospitalized again on November 27th.
She had been experiencing itching for days, which even led to problems while she was sleeping. When she was taken to the hospital, they performed an emergency ultrasound and detected that her bile duct was dilating once again.
On November 28, they were supposed to place the stent in the dilated duct so it could function properly, but it was impossible to access because the duct was too narrow. They inserted a drain to remove the bile from his body, and a week later they attempted to re-enter the duct, without success.
"The doctors decided to proceed with surgery to do everything possible to reconstruct that pathway and place the stent because without it, there is a risk of recurrence that could affect the healthy liver once again," Lara clarified last week.
The activist urged her supporters to pray for the girl to assist her in this new challenging ordeal she must face.
The surgery was scheduled for early Monday morning.
At the beginning of November, seven months after Amanda's transplant in Madrid, following the abandonment of the Cuban healthcare system, Lara shared a photograph showcasing the remarkable progress of the little girl.
"Do you all know that little face? To me, it represents willpower, the idea that 'where there's a will, there's a way,' and the unity of a civil society that rose for a greater and more noble cause," he said on his Facebook profile.
The struggle to save Amanda's life began in January when her mother, in a message that went viral, publicly apologized to her daughter for bringing her into a country that couldn't meet her medical needs.
Amanda was suffering from a severe liver disease and urgently needed a liver transplant, but the limitations in Cuba made it impossible to perform the surgery, which is why a humanitarian visa was requested for her.
After several weeks of campaigning supported by activists, independent media, and generous Cubans, the necessary funds were raised for Amanda and her parents to travel to Spain, where a hospital had agreed to take her case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amanda Lemus Ortiz's Health and Recovery
Why was Amanda Lemus Ortiz readmitted to the hospital in Spain?
Amanda Lemus Ortiz was admitted to the hospital again due to problems with her bile duct, which was dilating and causing discomfort such as itching. The doctors attempted to place a stent to address the issue, but when they were unable to do so due to the narrowness of the duct, they decided to proceed with surgery.
What has Amanda's recovery process been like after her liver transplant in Spain?
Amanda's recovery process has been complicated but progressive. After her liver transplant in March 2024, she has shown remarkable improvement, although it has not been without setbacks and complications. Over the months, she has reached significant milestones in her recovery, such as the removal of IV fluids and catheters, and she is now able to sit up on her own and babble some words.
What challenges did Amanda face in Cuba before moving to Spain?
Amanda faced serious limitations in Cuba due to the lack of medical resources needed for the urgent liver transplant she required. Her health deteriorated significantly without the necessary treatment, as she was virtually abandoned by the Cuban healthcare system. This sparked an international campaign to raise funds and arrange her transfer to Spain, where she ultimately received the appropriate care.
How has international solidarity influenced Amanda's case?
International solidarity has been crucial in saving Amanda's life. Thanks to donations and support from activists and the Cuban community abroad, Amanda's treatment in Spain was successfully funded. This mobilization demonstrated the power of civil unity and the importance of international aid in overcoming the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system in critical cases.
What role has Amanda's family played in her recovery?
Amanda's family has been crucial in her recovery process. Emmanuel Lemus, Amanda's father, donated a portion of his liver for the transplant and has been alongside his wife, Mila, supporting their daughter at every stage of her treatment in Spain. Their dedication and sacrifice have been unwavering in the fight for Amanda's health.
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