Infant Saved From Rare Congenital Condition At Little Star & SHE Hospital.

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Hyderabad, 16th of January, 2025 : A team of specialists at Little Stars & SHE Women and Children’s Hospital at Road No: 10, Banjara Hills successfully saved the life of a newborn suffering from a rare and critical congenital defect. The infant, born without a diaphragm—a condition preventing separation between the chest and abdominal cavities—had vital organs such as the liver, spleen kidney, stomach and intestines displaced into the chest, creating severe complications. The life-saving procedure was conducted using advanced keyhole surgery, avoiding the need for traditional open surgery. Senior Neonatologist Dr. Satish Ghanta shared the details at a press briefing.

Liver, Kidneys, and Intestines Found in the Chest Cavity
Treated Successfully with Minimally Invasive Keyhole Surgery
Detected before 20 weeks’ gestation
Herniation of stomach, spleen, left lobe of liver along with Left Kidney actually denotes poor prognosis
Large 3x3cm Bochdalec Defect
Severe Lung Hypertension (PPHN) with 24cc Left Lung Hypoplasia
Keyhole Surgery / Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopic PROLENE Mesh

A Challenging Case

The newborn’s parents, a couple from Saudi Arabia, came to India for the delivery. Initial tests at another hospital in Hyderabad revealed the complex condition, following which the baby was brought to Little Star & SHE Women and Children’s Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

“We performed detailed examinations and planned the delivery carefully. The surgical intervention was scheduled only after controlling the severe lung hypertension (PPHN) on the fourth day after birth,” explained Dr. Satish Ghanta.

“This condition, where abdominal organs move into the chest, is rare and usually fatal without timely intervention. The displaced organs put immense pressure on the lungs, leading to severe respiratory complications like Lung Hypoplasia and Lung Hypertension (PPHN)

All cases require surgery, but due to the infant’s age and severity, we opted for minimally invasive keyhole surgery,” he added.

Innovative Treatment

During the procedure, the surgical team meticulously repositioned the displaced organs—liver, kidneys, and intestines—back into the abdominal cavity. A synthetic diaphragm (Prolene Mesh) was then grafted / sutured along the defect through Thoracoscopy to prevent future displacement.

“This approach minimizes blood loss and reduces recovery time, ensuring a safer outcome for the infant. It’s a rare and complex surgery performed with great precision,” said Dr. Satish Ghanta.

Parents’ Gratitude

The baby’s father expressed deep gratitude to the hospital and its medical team. “We were devastated when we learned about our baby’s condition and sought help from various sources. Finally, we came to know about Little Star’s & SHE Women and Children’s Hospital.

The doctors here performed the surgery using just three tiny incisions, saving our baby’s life. We are immensely thankful to the hospital management, doctors, and staff for their exceptional care.”

This groundbreaking procedure highlights the capabilities of advanced pediatric care and surgical excellence at Little Star’s & SHE Women and Children’s Hospital.