Zainab Batool Underwent TAPVC Repair Surgery

Zainab Batool's Story

Zainab Batool, a 6-year-old girl from Lahore, had been experiencing breathlessness and chest discomfort since birth. Zainab was underweight and any mild to moderate physical activity left her gasping for air. Her parents took her to a local hospital and consulted a doctor. After a comprehensive examination and evaluation, the doctor diagnosed her with Supra Cardiac-Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC). To treat this disease, the doctor advised TAPVC repair surgery. Unfortunately, the cost of the surgery was overwhelming for her family.

Zainab was living in a modest house with her five family members. Her father, the sole breadwinner in the family, was an employee in a factory and earned just PKR 28000 per month. With this meager monthly income, they struggled to make ends meet, and managing to pay for utility bills and groceries was significantly challenging. The financial strain of her surgery weighed heavily over them, leaving them in a desperate situation. During this challenging time, Zainab’s family reached out to Transparent Hands and asked us for help. We listened to their concerns and registered her case.

On 31st July 2024, Zainab was admitted to the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital.  Zainab received pre-operative care and her surgery took place on 1st August 2024. Dr. Faiz Rasool performed the procedure. TAPVC repair surgery went well but after the procedure, her condition deteriorated. She was managed vigilantly by the ICU team. Unfortunately, her heart failed to recover during the recovery process. Despite the best efforts by the medical team to save her, Zainab had a hypovolemic shock and post-operative fits and she passed away on 2nd August 2024.

The loss of Zainab was overwhelming for her family and all of us involved in her care. You and the Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation provided essential support to them during this challenging time.