（Written by R.Y.GAO & X.H.HAO Translated by Y.C.YU）After traveling thousands of kilometers to China, little Amir (pseudonym), an infant from Bangladesh, has successfully recovered and regained his health under the meticulous care of the pediatric surgery team at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital Affiliated to Tsinghua University.
A Thousand Miles of Trust
Shortly after birth, Amir was shrouded in misfortune—diagnosed with left-sided diaphragmatic eventration.
This condition, caused by abnormal development of the diaphragm, allows abdominal organs to shift upward, relentlessly compressing the lungs and heart—like a heavy yoke that severely restricts breathing and growth.
Preoperative chest X-rays clearly revealed the crisis: the left hemidiaphragm was markedly elevated, the heart and mediastinum were displaced to the right, and lung volume was significantly reduced.
Desperate for a glimmer of hope for their child, Amir's family acted without hesitation. They crossed borders and made their way to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, seeking out Professor Li Long, Director of the Department of Pediatric Surgery.
“We heard that Professor Li Long is an internationally renowned pediatric surgeon, especially skilled in minimally invasive surgery. Despite the long journey, we truly believe that doctors here can give our child a healthy future,” said Amir’s father, voicing the profound trust that had traveled across vast distances.
A Breakthrough with Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery
Given the infant’s young age and low body weight, every step of the procedure demanded extreme precision.
Upon admission, Professor Li Long’s team conducted a thorough and meticulous evaluation and ultimately customized a laparoscopy-assisted diaphragmatic plication plan for Amir.
The surgery was performed by Professor Li Long himself.
Under the high-definition view of the laparoscope, the surgical team precisely folded the lax diaphragm and securely sutured it to restore normal tension, realigning the displaced abdominal and thoracic structures to their proper anatomical positions.
The entire procedure went smoothly, with minimal trauma and negligible blood loss.
Postoperative chest X‑rays revealed a gratifying contrast: the left hemidiaphragm had returned to its normal position, both lungs were fully expanded, and the heart and mediastinum had shifted back to the midline.
The two X‑ray images—one showing compression, the other expansion—provided undeniable radiographic proof that set the parents’ minds completely at ease.
Discharged on June 1st – Children's Day
Amir made a remarkably smooth recovery after surgery.
Just one day after surgery, Amir was back at his mother's breast, drinking the milk he knew so well.
By day 4, following a thorough evaluation, his doctors confirmed he was ready to go home.
The discharge date coincided with a family engagement event organized by the hospital. Amir's family enthusiastically participated in interactive games and group photographs with the care team. The occasion was filled with warmth and laughter, marking a fitting and heartwarming conclusion to this international medical journey.
"When families cross borders to seek care from us, it is the greatest testament of trust and affirmation," said Professor Li Long. "We are committed to safeguarding more children's health with our expertise and compassion."
Compassion knows no borders; excellence in care crosses mountains and seas.
The Department of Pediatric Surgery at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital has long pioneered innovations in minimally invasive pediatric surgery, with expertise spanning congenital digestive tract malformations, choledochal cysts, biliary atresia, and diaphragmatic disorders.
In recent years, the department has treated children from as far as Mongolia and Bangladesh, offering not only superb surgical skills but also compassionate care that transcends borders, sharing the warmth and strength of Chinese health care with the world.