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Born with his vital organs on the outside of his body, a little boy has survived the odds and made it to his third birthday.

Image source: 7 News
Image source: 7 News

Appearing on Channel 7 news, little Sam Gellie, has a very rare condition.  His liver, spleen and parts of his bowl were outside his body when he was born.

The appearance of his vital organs is one of a ‘bump,’ as they are surrounded by a thin membrane on the front of his body.

Extending out from Sam’s belly button, the bump is kept in place with the use of a compression bandage.

Image source: 7 News
Image source: 7 News

Doctors have been trying to work out a plan to save little Sam’s life and fix his condition since he was born with it three years ago.  His survival at birth itself is considered a miracle by Doctors, with his parents being warned there was a chance their child wouldn’t live.

“It’s a miracle and it’s amazing that he is here,” Mum Amy Gellie told 7 News. “If we were listening to everything the medical people were thinking, we definitely wouldn’t have thought he would be here today”.

Image source: 7 News
Image source: 7 News

Also speaking with 7 News, medical professional Michael Nightingale said he had never seen a case like Sam’s before – such is the rarity of the condition.

“I don’t think any of my colleagues have either,” he said.

Image source: 7 News
Image source: 7 News

Surgeons will start the long process to help Sam put his organs back inside his body later this year.  It is expected that he will need many operations over many years to complete this process.

Doctors have said because Sam’s organs are on the outside of his body, his abdomen is very narrow and will need expanded initially before the rest of the surgeries can commence.

Sam’s father said his son was a fighter who continued to defy the odds.  Celebrating Sam’s third birthday last weekend is certainly an achievement.

The Royal Children’s Hospital is raising funds to help kids like Sam through their Good Friday appeal.

To Donate visit:http://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/.

Image source: 7 News

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  • I hope he has many years ahead.

    Reply

  • It continues to amaze me the medical break throughs. I hope he continues to defy the odds and manage to raise the funds they need.

    Reply

  • What a amazing kid and so pleased that he is doing well, good luck for all the future ops

    Reply

  • My son was born in 1990 with this condition also, Exomphalos. He was on O2 and NGT until 18 mths. He had a small bowel obstruction at 7 yrs and developed Scoliosis. He had his spine fused at 17 yrs. He is now 25 yrs. He could not have the repair as his organs had adhered together. I hope you have better luck with Sam. Joanne Turnbull, Geraldton WA.

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  • It is a miracle he has survived for so long. If he fell over on a hard surface he could easily damage his organs. A compression bandage supports them, and hopefully it is padded enough to take any impact. Hopefully after some fo the surgery they will be able to remove that tubing from his nose and associated areas.

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  • I hope they will be able to raise the money the need for all the surgeries. What a rare condition indeed!!

    Reply

  • Lke mj

    Reply

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