The successful esophageal atresia surgery performed on a 1-day baby with very low birth weight of 1.3 Kg at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda is a remarkable achievement in pediatric surgery.
Baby presented with drooling of saliva from the angle of mouth and respiratory distress indicating the inability to swallow properly due to the lack of continuity in the esophagus. On investigations, there was no continuity in the food pipe and it was connected with the trachea. The baby was resuscitated in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit and put on the ventilatory support.
On second hospital day i.e., on26.02.2024, the baby underwent surgery- Primary repair of Esophageal Atresia and closure of trachea-esophageal fistula was done by Prof. Ram Samujh assisted by his colleagues- Dr Navdeep Singh Dhoat & Dr Saswati Behera.
Prof. Ram Samujh has joined this Institute about 6 months back after serving PGIMER, Chandigarh for nearly 40 years. The team also included nursing officers Ms. Aman, Mr. Gopal & Mr. Hardeep (OT technician) whoplayed crucial roles during the surgery.
The General anesthesia was administered by Dr Shashank Paliwal under supervision of Prof. Anju Grewal, Head Department of Anesthesia. Postoperatively baby was well managed by DrManish Swami- a well-trainedneonatologist and his team Dr Ekamjot Kaur and Dr Manikandan, along with the well-trainednursing officers in the neonatal intensive care unit.
The baby responded well to surgery and slowly weaned off from the ventilatory support. A contrast esophagogram performed on the 14th postoperative day confirmed successful anastomosis without any leak.The baby was thenallowed mother’s milk orally which he tolerated, indicating successful recovery.
The chest tube was removed 24 hours after the baby tolerated oral feeds. Presently baby is active, afebrile.Oesophageal atresia is a rare birth defect of the swallowing tube (oesophagus) that connects the mouth to the stomach. About 1 in every 4,100 babies is born with oesophagealatresia.
This birth defect can occur alone, but often occurs with other birth defects. The causes of esophageal atresia in most babies are unknown.The constantsupport and encouragement from the honourable Director- Dr. D.K. Singh played a significant role in monitoring the progress of the case closely and ensuring successful outcome.
This case highlights the importance of the multidisciplinary team work, advanced medical facilities and expert pediatric surgical skills in managing complex congenital conditions like esophageal atresia. The successful outcome of this surgery brings hope to families affected by similar conditions and highlight the importance of specialized pediatric surgical services in healthcare institutions like AIIMS Bathinda.