Amanda Lemus Ortiz, a young girl from Cuba, underwent a complex surgical procedure this Monday at a hospital in Madrid. The operation involved the placement of a stent in her bile duct, and recent updates from activist Yamilka Laffita (known as Lara Crofs) on social media confirm the surgery was successful.
"She is out of the surgery room. Everything went well, thank God. They are still preparing her. I haven't seen her yet, but the doctors assured me the procedure was successful. It took a long time because it was complex, but the stent is now in place. The surgery was quite significant, but now we wait for her recovery," Laffita conveyed through social media, quoting a direct message from Mila, Amanda's mother.
In a subsequent post, Laffita shared a photo of Amanda in the recovery room, expressing admiration for the child's resilience. Amanda's journey has been challenging. "Today, Yordy Battle told me that God has a great purpose for Amanda. I like to believe that's true. How strong you are, beautiful girl with infinite eyes! We continue to send you all the good in this world. A big kiss from this community," Lara Crofs wrote.
As of the latest updates, there are no new reports on Amanda's clinical condition. Amanda, who underwent a liver transplant in Spain this past March, was readmitted on November 27. She had been experiencing intense itching, which even disrupted her sleep. An urgent ultrasound revealed her bile duct was dilating again.
On November 28, doctors attempted to place a stent in the narrowed duct to ensure it functioned properly, but it was too constricted. They installed a drain to expel bile from her body and attempted another entry into the duct a week later, without success. "The doctors decided on surgery to try and repair the duct and place the stent, as without it, her healthy liver could be compromised again," Laffita stated last week.
In early November, seven months after Amanda's liver transplant in Madrid and after the Cuban healthcare system had failed her, Laffita shared a photo displaying Amanda's remarkable recovery. "Do you recognize that face? To me, it's the embodiment of determination, the belief that 'where there's a will, there's a way,' and the unity of a civil society rallying for a greater, nobler cause," the activist remarked.
The fight to save Amanda's life began in January when her mother publicly apologized to her daughter in a viral message for bringing her into a country unable to meet her medical needs. Amanda suffered from a severe liver disease and urgently needed a transplant, which was impossible in Cuba due to its limitations. A humanitarian visa was sought for her, and after 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 accepted her case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amanda's Medical Journey
What was the purpose of Amanda's recent surgery in Madrid?
Amanda's surgery aimed to place a stent in her bile duct to ensure its proper functioning after previous complications.
Why did Amanda need a liver transplant earlier this year?
Amanda required a liver transplant due to a severe liver condition that could not be treated in Cuba, necessitating urgent medical intervention abroad.