Life-Saving Surgery for Newborn with Rare Breathing and Swallowing Problem

In a remarkable medical feat, Dr. Shweta Kumari, Consultant - Paediatric Surgery, Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad successfully treated a newborn baby diagnosed with the rare and life-threatening condition Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF). The baby, just 4 hours old, was brought to the hospital in severe respiratory distress, unable to swallow milk, and suffering from frothing at the mouth. The team’s timely intervention saved the baby’s life and restored hope to the parents.

What is Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF)?

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) is a congenital defect where the food pipe (esophagus) is not fully formed and is abnormally connected to the windpipe (trachea). This causes stomach acids to enter the lungs, leading to severe breathing problems. In this case, the baby was born with this condition, making it impossible for the child to swallow food or breathe properly. Without immediate treatment, TEF leads to 100% mortality.

A Challenging Start to Life:

 The newborn, a baby from Firozpur, Palwal, Haryana, was rushed to Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad with severe symptoms, including difficulty in breathing, frothing at the mouth, and an inability to swallow milk. These signs pointed to TEF, a condition seen in 1 in 4000 to 5000 live births. Without corrective surgery, the condition could have been fatal. The situation called for immediate surgery to save the baby's life.

How Was the Surgery Done?

The surgery was an emergency procedure, carried out by a skilled team of doctors, including Dr. Shweta as the Pediatric Surgeon, supported by Dr. Sushil Singla, Director – Paediatrics, Dr. Rajiv, HOD & Director – Anaesthesia, Dr. Pankaj, Consultant - Anaesthesia and Dr. Vijay, Senior Consultant - Anaesthesia from the NICU team. The surgery lasted 4 hours and involved a Right Posterolateral Thoracotomy with TEF Ligation and Primary Esophageal Reconstruction.

The procedure required delicate work in the newborn’s chest, where the abnormal connection between the food pipe and the windpipe was removed. The incomplete food pipe was then reconstructed, ensuring the baby could eventually feed properly. Given the small size and critical nature of the surgery, it was a high-risk operation, requiring precise movements to avoid injury to the trachea and vital blood vessels.

A Successful Outcome Against the Odds:

Despite the complexity of the surgery and the inherent risks, the surgery was a success. The baby was placed on a ventilator for 72 hours post-surgery, monitored closely by the medical team. After overcoming some early challenges, the baby showed steady improvement. By the 8th day, the first feed was successfully given to the baby after passing the oral dye test. This marked a significant milestone in the baby's recovery journey.

Life After Surgery:

Post-surgery, the baby is on the road to recovery, with regular follow-ups to monitor feeding progress and ensure overall health. With continued care, the baby can live a near-normal life, similar to any other child, as long as regular check-ups continue. Though the baby is at higher risk for pneumonia, early intervention from pediatricians will help mitigate this.

What Makes This Surgery Special?

 This surgery stands out because of its complexity and the high skill required for such delicate work on a newborn. The successful outcome also highlights the expertise of the Sarvodaya Hospital team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the baby’s survival. It is a reminder that even in the most challenging cases, hope and determination can lead to miraculous outcomes.

A Remarkable Team Effort:

 This life-saving surgery was made possible due to the collective effort and expertise of the entire team involved. From the preoperative stabilization to the complex surgery and postoperative care, the teamwork and commitment were truly remarkable. The case serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the capabilities of the medical professionals at Sarvodaya Hospital.