Amanda Lemus Ortiz, a young girl from Cuba, is on the path to a successful recovery following a recent surgical procedure at a hospital in Spain. On Monday, doctors placed a stent in her bile duct. Activist Yamilka Lafita (also known as Lara Crofs) reported that Amanda has fully awoken from anesthesia, spent a restful night from Tuesday to Wednesday, and has been able to relax.
"Her recovery is off to a good start, which brings us some peace of mind. Thank you for your continued support and concern," stated Lara on her Facebook page, accompanied by a photo of Amanda in her hospital bed with a meal beside her.
This latest surgery was particularly lengthy and intricate. Mila Ortiz, Amanda's mother, explained that the procedure was challenging because the duct was nearly closed, yet the outcome was successful. "The doctors assured me everything went well. It took a long time due to the complexity, but the stent is in place. The surgery was quite extensive, but now we wait for her recovery," she mentioned.
In a subsequent post, Lara Crofs expressed her admiration for Amanda's resilience, acknowledging the difficult journey the young girl has faced. "You're so strong, beautiful girl with endless eyes! We continue to send you all the good things this world has to offer. A big kiss from this community," she wrote.
Amanda's Medical Journey in Spain
After undergoing a liver transplant in Spain last March, Amanda was readmitted on November 27th due to severe itching that disrupted her sleep. An urgent ultrasound revealed her bile duct was dilating again. On November 28th, doctors attempted to place the stent in the dilated duct to restore its function, but the passage was too narrow to proceed. A drainage tube was inserted to remove bile from her body, and a week later, another attempt to access the duct was unsuccessful.
"The medical team decided surgery was essential to repair the duct and insert the stent, as failure to do so could lead to a relapse and jeopardize her healthy liver," Lara explained last week. She urged her followers to pray for Amanda as she faced yet another challenging trial. The surgery was scheduled for early Monday morning.
A Community's Efforts to Save Amanda
Earlier in November, seven months after Amanda's liver transplant in Madrid, Lara shared a photo highlighting the remarkable progress Amanda had made. "Do you recognize that face? To me, it represents determination, the power of will, and the unity of a civil society rallying for a greater, nobler cause," Lara expressed on her Facebook profile.
Amanda's fight for survival began in January when her mother publicly apologized in a viral message for bringing her into a country unable to meet her medical needs. Facing severe liver disease, Amanda urgently required a liver transplant, but Cuba's limitations made the surgery impossible. A humanitarian visa was requested for Amanda.
Thanks to a campaign 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 agreed to take her case.
FAQs About Amanda's Recovery and Medical Journey
What surgery did Amanda undergo in Spain?
Amanda underwent a surgery to place a stent in her bile duct to address complications after a previous liver transplant.
Why was the surgery complex?
The surgery was complex because the bile duct was almost closed, requiring careful and precise work to place the stent.
How did Amanda end up receiving treatment in Spain?
Amanda received treatment in Spain after a successful campaign raised funds and secured a humanitarian visa, allowing her and her parents to travel for medical care.