IPOH, Oct 21 — Ten-year-old Mohd Amar Mohd Azizi, who was accidentally shot in the neck last Monday, successfully underwent a high-risk operation to remove a slug which was lodged in the throat.

Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital neurosurgery department head and specialist consultant Dr Cheang Chee Keong said the surgery, carried out with the aid of an image-guided system and an intra operative monitor, proceeded smoothly without any complications.

He said Mohd Amar’s condition had stabilised and was currently monitored at the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit, adding that he could talk and drink.

Speaking to reporters at the hospital here today, Dr Cheang said Amar’s neck bone which had cracked as a result of the impact of the bullet, was now supported by a collar neck support for the time being.

“After two months, we will look at the neck again to determine whether he needs another surgery to stabilise the neck,” he said.

Dr Cheang expects Mohd Amar to be discharged from the hospital in three days’ time. The surgery to remove the bullet from Mohd Amar’s throat began at 9.30am yesterday. It involved several specialists from the neurosurgery and otorhinolaryngology department.

Last Monday, Mohd Amar sustained a gunshot wound in the neck when he was accidently shot by a policeman who was cleaning his pistol in front of a house in Kampung Belanja Kiri, Parit.

Meanwhile, Perak Health, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi thanked specialists who were involved in the operation headed by Dr Cheang, as well as nurses and paramedics.

Mohd Amar’s father, Mohd Azizi Abdullah Halim, 48, said he was grateful that his son was safe after the operation.

“I am thankful to all specialists and nurses involved in the operation,” he said. — Bernama