When Prince Adam first noticed that his young son was becoming unusually tired, he and his family initially did not know what was wrong.

At school, the little boy had begun isolating himself from his peers. At home, he would often tell his father that he was tired and needed to rest.

Then they noticed something more concerning.

His hands and lips were becoming bluish.

After medical evaluation, the family learned that their five-year-old son had Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a complex congenital heart condition that affects the normal flow of blood through the heart and to the lungs. The diagnosis meant that he needed complex cardiac surgery.

For the family, it was a frightening moment. But it was also the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead them to Duchess International Hospital.

A Complex Cardiac Condition

Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart condition involving abnormalities in the structure of the heart, including a narrowing of the pathway through which blood travels to the lungs and a hole between the heart’s lower chambers.

In Master D’s case, the obstruction was particularly severe. His oxygen saturation was approximately 68%, significantly below the normal range. The severe restriction of blood flow to his lungs was contributing to his bluish appearance, breathlessness, limited activity, and poor growth.

According to the cardiac team, the severity of the obstruction made this a complex presentation requiring careful surgical management.

The goal was clear: relieve the obstruction to blood flow to the lungs and close the hole in the heart.

A Complex Procedure. A Dedicated Team.

Master D’s surgery required the expertise of a multidisciplinary cardiac team involving cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, perfusionists, intensivists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

The complex procedure was performed in stages over approximately 14–15 hours across three days, from 19 to 21 May.

Led by Dr. Muru Salami, the team worked through the different stages of the procedure and his postoperative care.

For his mother, the experience went beyond the surgery itself.

“It’s another thing to have the money. It is another thing to go to the right place.”

She credits the person who referred them to Duchess International Hospital with helping them find the right team and facility for their son’s treatment.

She recalls being particularly impressed by the teamwork, equipment, nursing care, doctors, and the encouragement the family received throughout the process.

“The teamwork was top-notch. The state of the equipment was top-notch. The care, right from the kitchen… the nurses are wow. The doctors are wow.”

“I Can See Life in Him Again”

Following the procedure, Master D began an encouraging recovery.

For his mother, some of the smallest moments became the most meaningful.

Her son began eating solid food, moving more normally, and doing things independently again.

One morning, he even brushed his own teeth.

Most importantly, the signs that had worried his family before surgery were changing.

There was no longer the same breathlessness.

The bluish colour in his skin and nails had improved, and his lips had become pink.

For his mother, seeing these changes was deeply emotional.

“I can see life in him again.”

More Than a Procedure

Looking back at the experience, his mother Olutope Adetona says the journey taught her the importance of finding not only the resources to access treatment, but also the right place and the right medical team.

She describes the care at Duchess as a world-class experience and remains grateful to the entire team involved in his son’s treatment and recovery.

For the family, the journey has been one of fear, faith, expert medical care, and renewed hope.

And today, their greatest reassurance is simple:

Master D is doing well and continuing to recover.

A New Chapter

Master D’s story is one of the many journeys that remind us why access to advanced cardiac care matters.

At Duchess International Hospital, our multidisciplinary cardiac team is committed to providing complex cardiovascular and cardiothoracic care with the expertise, technology, clinical coordination, and compassionate support that patients and their families deserve.

For Master D’s family, the journey continues. But today, it is a journey filled with hope.

This patient story is shared with the consent of the patient and family.

Explore Our Cardiac Services

If you or your child has been diagnosed with a heart condition and would like to discuss your treatment options, our cardiac team is available to provide specialist assessment and care.

Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery & Advanced Heart Care