The May 10 birth of Ashton Daniell via cesarean section marks a milestone in Akron Children’s 123-year history.
Ashton was diagnosed at 37-weeks gestation with a baseball-sized cyst on his neck caused by a lymphatic malformation.
Due to the size of the mass and the closeness to his airway, there was concern that Ashton may need emergency surgery immediately after birth.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialist Melissa Mancuso and her team at Akron Children’s fetal treatment center made arrangements to have the necessary team in place to deliver Ashton at Children’s.
“The logistics of this were incredible and we are very grateful,” said Andrew Daniell, Ashton’s father. “There had to be a neonatologist, pediatric ENT surgeon, pediatric surgeon and a pediatric anesthesiologist on call at all times. This is on top of the team needed to perform Angie’s C-section.”
Fortunately, Ashton’s mass didn’t require emergency surgery immediately upon birth.
Instead, surgeons John Crow and Marc Nelson decided it was best to give Ashton some time to grow and put on weight before the procedure to remove the cyst.
After a 5-day neonatal intensive care unit stay, Ashton was able to grow and bond with his family at home in Bath Township.
On July 12, Ashton, now a strapping 14 lbs., returned to Akron Children’s for the surgery. After a weekend stay in the hospital, Ashton returned home to big brother Anderson on July 15.
“Ashton should be able to lead a normal life once the cyst is removed,” said Dr. John Crow, chairman of the department of surgery. “His prognosis is excellent.”
Learn more about Ashton’s special delivery in this story on Ohio.com.
You can also watch the Fox 8 segment below to learn about his surgery.
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