Kagezi is a 45-year-old laborer from Uganda who works for a brick-making and sand-mining business. He came to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), with a five-year history of pain and swelling in his inguinal and scrotal regions.
Kagezi’s symptoms are the result of a bilateral inguinoscrotal hernia, a protrusion of the intestines through weak points in the abdominal muscles. The protrusions present as painful bulges in the left and right groin, and the pain increases with coughing, bending at the waist, or lifting heavy objects. “If not treated,” explains AMHF, “Kagezi is at risk of intestinal obstruction, incarceration, and strangulation.”
Because of the hernia, Kagezi does not make as many bricks as he used to, and he is unable to carry heavy items. His inability to work makes it difficult for him to support his family or raise money to pay for his medical care. “He tried contacting his siblings,” AMHF tells us, “but they also did not have money.”
For $220, Kagezi can undergo hernia repair, in which a surgeon pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and sews together the weakened muscle with a synthetic mesh. Over time, muscle tissue grows into and around the mesh to strengthen the area. Funding also covers the cost of 14 days of hospital care, including labs and medications.
After surgery, Kagezi looks forward to returning to work and being able to split firewood without discomfort. “Thank you for offering to give me help,” he shares. “God bless you.”
