Vijayawada: 28th May, 2025: In a remarkable display of medical expertise and teamwork, a 32-week preterm baby weighing just 1.6 kg, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition—Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)—was successfully treated and discharged in stable condition from Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Vijayawada.
The chest region contains vital organs such as the heart and lungs, while the abdomen holds organs involved in digestion, including the liver, spleen, and intestines. The chest and abdomen are separated by a sheet-like muscle called the diaphragm. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a serious birth defect in which a baby is born with an underdeveloped or defective diaphragm. This defect allows the intestines to move into the chest cavity, interfering with lung development. The condition carries a high risk of mortality, especially in preterm and low birth weight babies.
Despite the odds, the skilled medical team at Ankura Hospital rose to the challenge. The Neonatology team—Dr. Raja Ashok, Dr. Indusree, and Dr. Srimukhi—along with the dedicated NICU nursing staff, worked tirelessly to medically stabilize the baby, providing expert neonatal intensive care. Once stabilized, Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Varunkumar M performed the delicate and high-risk surgery to repair the diaphragmatic defect. The baby was safely delivered by Dr. Sowmya from the Obstetrics team.
Equally vital to the success of the surgery was the expert anesthesia management by Dr. Nagaraj, whose careful handling of the delicate anesthetic requirements in such a high-risk new-born made the operation both possible and safe. The baby responded well to both medical and surgical interventions and made a steady recovery. After weeks of dedicated care, the infant was discharged in a healthy and stable condition.
The parents expressed profound gratitude to the entire team at Ankura Hospital. “We are overwhelmed with joy and relief. Watching our baby recover and return home safely is nothing short of a miracle,” they said.
This case highlights the exceptional capabilities of the neonatal and pediatric surgical team at Ankura Hospital, reaffirming their commitment to delivering advanced care even in the most critical and challenging neonatal conditions.
Ankura Hospital has a multidisciplinary team with dedicated services for women and children. The hospital offers a wide range of pediatric and women’s health services, committed to providing compassionate and specialized care for both women and children.