In a groundbreaking achievement, specialists at Little Stars & SHE Women and Children’s Hospital, located at Road No: 10, Banjara Hills, successfully treated a newborn suffering from a rare congenital defect through minimally invasive keyhole surgery. This critical case involved a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, where vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines were displaced into the chest cavity due to the absence of a diaphragm. The surgical intervention not only saved the infant’s life but also set a benchmark for pediatric care in the region.
A Rare and Life-Threatening Condition
The newborn’s condition, identified before 20 weeks of gestation, posed significant challenges. The baby had a large 3x3cm Bochdalek defect—a severe diaphragmatic hernia—that allowed the herniation of organs such as the stomach, spleen, left lobe of the liver, and left kidney into the chest cavity. This displacement led to severe lung hypertension (PPHN) and left lung hypoplasia, with only 24cc lung capacity.
The infant’s parents, a couple from Saudi Arabia, sought help at Little Stars & SHE Hospital after initial evaluations at another facility in Hyderabad. “This condition is a rare congenital defect and often fatal without timely intervention,” explained Senior Neonatologist Dr. Satish Ghanta. “The pressure exerted by the displaced organs severely compromises lung development and function, making prompt and precise treatment crucial.”
Advanced Keyhole Surgery to the Rescue
The surgical team opted for a minimally invasive approach to address this rare congenital defect. On the fourth day after birth, following careful control of lung hypertension, surgeons performed thoracoscopic surgery. The displaced organs were meticulously repositioned into the abdominal cavity, and a synthetic diaphragm—a Prolene Mesh—was grafted along the defect to prevent future complications.
“Keyhole surgery, or thoracoscopy, is a sophisticated procedure requiring exceptional precision,” noted Dr. Satish Ghanta. “It minimizes blood loss, reduces recovery time, and significantly lowers the risk of complications. This innovative approach ensured a safer and faster recovery for the newborn suffering from a rare congenital defect.”
Parents’ Journey of Hope
The infant’s father expressed immense gratitude to the medical team. “We were devastated when we learned about our baby’s rare congenital defect. After exploring several options, we finally came to Little Stars & SHE Hospital. The doctors here used three tiny incisions to perform the surgery and saved our baby’s life. Their exceptional care and expertise gave us hope when we needed it most,” he shared.
The success of this surgery underscores the hospital’s commitment to excellence in pediatric care. It also highlights the growing capabilities of advanced medical interventions in Hyderabad, making the city a hub for world-class healthcare.
Significance of the Case
This rare congenital defect case serves as a testament to the advancements in pediatric surgical techniques. Conditions like congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which were once deemed fatal, can now be treated successfully with cutting-edge methods. The team’s ability to use thoracoscopy—an advanced minimally invasive technique—illustrates the potential for improving survival rates and outcomes in similar cases.
Statistics and Future Scope
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia affects approximately 1 in 2,500 live births globally. With advancements in prenatal diagnostics and surgical interventions, survival rates for rare congenital defects have improved significantly. Little Stars & SHE Hospital aims to continue leveraging these techniques to address complex pediatric conditions effectively.
About Little Stars & SHE Hospital
Located in the heart of Hyderabad, Little Stars & SHE Women and Children’s Hospital specializes in comprehensive pediatric and neonatal care. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled specialists, the hospital is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to children and their families.
