9-year-old 'miracle' boy leaves hospital after 30 operations

A BOY who survived an infection that ate away at his body is to leave hospital after what his parents have called a "miracle" recovery.

Nine-year-old Kian Slaven spent seven months in hospital after developing severe appendicitis and had surgery 30 times.

The infection spread and doctors were forced to remove 35 per cent of his skin, part of his bowel and infected tissue.

Kian's condition was further complicated because he had been born 12 weeks early, and had fluid on his brain and cerebral palsy along the right side of his body.

His mother, Nadine Slaven, was told by doctors to prepare for the worst.

But Kian astounded doctors at Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow with his recovery and will return home to his two brothers, Macaulay and Marshall, tomorrow.

The family recently moved from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute to Omagh in Northern Ireland. Ms Slaven, 30, said she thought it was a "miracle" she was taking her son home.

"I have always said to any doctor from the start, even if it's heartbreaking, just be open and honest with me. They said to prepare myself. That's how serious it was."

Dr Mark Davidson, an intensive care consultant at Yorkhill Hospital, said:

"For a long period of time we weren't sure if he was going to make it.

"I think it's fantastic that he's going home."