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Meet some of our patients
Tahlia, age 2
Tahlia was born with an extremely rare disease called long segment tracheal stenosis (LSTS). This meant her trachea (windpipe) was so narrow she could hardly breathe. Her condition became critical when she woke up at her home in Brighton struggling for breath.
The condition only affects one in five million children and Great Ormond Street Hospital is the only hospital in the UK that treats children with LSTS. In July 2006, one-year-old Tahlia was admitted for life saving treatment, under the care of leading paediatric heart and lung specialist Professor Martin Elliott and his world famous tracheal team.
Six years ago, Prof Elliott and his team revolutionised treatment of this disorder with pioneering surgery that shortens and widens the trachea. Tahlia’s trachea was particularly narrow, posing a big challenge for the team. Surgery took five hours to complete and the operation was a success.
Tahlia receives regular check-ups at Great Ormond Street and at her local hospital. Her trachea is much stronger now than before treatment and Tahlia’s parents, Paul and Alison, are delighted with their daughter’s progress.
Alison says, "There was the most overwhelming and enormous sense of relief when Tahlia was able to come home. Great Ormond Street Hospital literally saved Tahlia's life and kept our family going. There are no words to express our gratitude to the tracheal team and all the hospital staff. We are so, so grateful."
