Aline Azevedo, 27, suffered for 15 years with constant bloating, severe abdominal pain and a paralyzing fear of embarrassing situations due to chronic constipation. This health problem not only prevented her from attending family gatherings and simple outings, but also from realizing her dream of becoming a journalist. In response to this recurring problem, the Belem Adventist Hospital (Hospital Adventista de Belem - HAB) innovated by performing the first sacral neuromodulator implant in Northern Brazil, transforming Azevedo's life and giving hope to many other patients.

Constipation is more common among women and can be related to a diet low in fiber, a sedentary lifestyle, dehydration, and excessive consumption of processed foods. In more severe cases, like Azevedo's, there are also pelvic floor dysfunctions that hinder bowel function. From a very young age, she silently faced a devastating problem: the inability to evacuate regularly.

At the age of 20, Azevedo's condition reached a critical point. The intense pain and swollen abdomen prevented her from eating, and she needed invasive medical procedures to evacuate, which, over time, became ineffective. It was then that coloproctologist Ana Paula Costa sought a new treatment option for her constipation: the implantation of a sacral neuromodulator — a device that sends electrical stimuli to the nerves in the pelvis, helping the intestines to function properly.

Life-transforming Surgery

The institution, which already has a history of leadership in the region, such as performing the first heart and kidney transplants in the North of the country, once again stood out for its innovation.

The sensitivity and determination of these professionals not only minimized Azevedo's physical pain but also restored her autonomy and dignity. According to Dr. Ana Paula Costa, success is the result of collaboration between multidisciplinary teams, family support, and the patient's own willpower.

“When Aline arrived at the office, I could tell right away that she was a determined woman,” recalls the doctor, with an affectionate smile. “Despite the limitations imposed by cerebral palsy, she has excellent communication and impressive social skills,” she adds.

But chronic constipation would make life increasingly difficult for Azevedo, a woman who throughout her life has faced many battles to gain her independence.

“I knew that this new procedure had the potential not only to improve her health, but to bring relief to her entire family,” says Costa. “I researched, exchanged experiences with other specialists and confirmed: it was the best option for her case,” she adds.

Value-based Healthcare

Gracimar Azevedo, Azevedo’s mother, remembers with emotion the empathy shown by the doctor from the first contact.

“Dr. Ana Paula always had a caring look and listened to Aline patiently. She had never dealt with a case like this, but she committed to finding a solution. At that moment, we felt truly welcomed,” she says.

According to Gracimar Azevedo, the doctor’s dedication was decisive.

“After 20 days of research, she told us that the surgery was possible. She admitted that she had never performed the procedure, but her confidence was contagious. And we decided to trust her,” he continues.

Costa argues that listening carefully is essential in medical practice.

“I don’t see patients as numbers or files. I want to deeply understand what is afflicting them so that I can seek, with all my effort, an answer that can change their lives,” she concludes.

Support for Surgical Innovation

In addition to the support from the management of the Belem Adventist Hospital, the doctor highlighted another crucial factor: the excellence of the hospital structure. These combined elements were essential for this medical innovation to occur.

“It wouldn’t be possible without an institution that constantly invests in cutting-edge technology and offers a modern surgical center. Here we have that support. And, with a qualified team, we can advance and innovate safely,” reinforces the coloproctologist.

The intervention performed at HAB represents more than a medical milestone. It symbolizes hope, relief, and a commitment to valuing life, a life with more dignity and health for those who, like Azevedo, faced limitations imposed by a chronic condition.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.