A Perfect Fix for Toms River Teen
Dagney Driscoll, 14, felt fine when
she went to sleep one night in April
2012 — but a couple of hours later, the
Toms River teen woke to excruciating
stomach pain. Her parents, Steve and
Judi, rushed her to the Emergency
Department at Ocean Medical Center,
where Judi works as a nurse.
Although Dagney had experienced
no symptoms before that night, a
CT scan showed that her intestines
were completely blocked. Dagney
was immediately transferred to
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
for consultation with pediatric specialists.
A Safer Approach to Surgery
Ahmed Mami, M.D., quickly diagnosed
Dagney with Meckel’s diverticulum. This
condition, present from birth, occurs
when a pouch of tissue forms on the
outer wall of the lower part of the small
intestine. Most people with the disorder
don’t have problems, but some, such
as Dagney, may experience infections,
intestinal blockage, and bleeding.
“The usual treatment for Meckel’s
diverticulum is open surgery, which often
involves a long incision and lengthy
recovery period, as well as a higher risk
for side effects,” says Dr. Mami. “But at
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, we have
the technology and expertise to remove the
Meckel’s diverticulum using a minimally
invasive approach, with smaller incisions,
which results in a faster recovery and
reduced risk for complications for children
like Dagney.”
Back to Being an Active Teen
Just hours after her arrival at
The Children’s Hospital, Dr. Mami
removed Dagney’s tissue pouch and
reconnected her small intestine. She
was up and walking the next day, home
three days later, and back to her regular
routine in less than a month. Now
a freshman at Toms River High
Ahmed G. Mami, M.D.
Board certified in
General Surgery
Eatontown | 732-935-0407
School East, Dagney keeps busy riding
her bike, exercising on the treadmill, and
spending time with family and friends.
“The only way things could have
been better for Dagney was if this didn’t
happen at all,” Steve says. “But since it
did, we’re grateful for the outstanding
staff at Ocean Medical Center and
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.” ★
After waking in the night with severe pain, Dagney Driscoll
benefited from minimally invasive surgery on her small
intestine. Now, she’s back on her bike and feeling great.
Guiding you through every step of your child’s care
Meridian Pediatric Network offers more than 350 physicians in communities near you, working side-by-side with
more than 100 pediatric specialists at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. Visit us at MeridianPediatricNetwork.com,
where you’ll find a host of physician videos on pediatric health topics.
6 Meridian KidViews • Fall 2012 • KHovnanianChildrensHospital.com