New Delhi: In an incredibly unusual case, doctors here saved an infant with a rare and potentially fatal oesophageal and tracheal abnormality.
The baby, who was diagnosed with oesophageal atresia and a tracheo-oesophageal fistula shortly after delivery, was taken to HCMCT Manipal Hospital in Dwarka.
Oesophageal Atresia (EA) is a rare and deadly congenital disorder that impairs the development of the oesophagus in neonates, turning the first days of life into a battle for survival.
This disorder may be accompanied with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF), which is an improper connection between the oesophagus and the trachea.
According to specialists, this connection can cause severe complications by allowing stomach liquids to enter the lungs, resulting in respiratory discomfort, infections, and other critical issues.
“The prevalence of EA with TEF is estimated to be between 1 in 5,000 and 1 in 10,000 live births worldwide, with a slightly higher occurrence in Europe,” paediatric surgeon Dr.ThichenKalden Lama, HOD – Paediatric Surgery, told IANS.
The surgeons performed a right thoracotomy and TEF ligation on the baby, followed by an oesophagus-oesophageal anastomosis. This difficult surgical operation connects the top and lower parts of the oesophagus.
The newborn was kept on intravenous fluids, supportive measures, antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) while under constant supervision.
The baby made some improvement on the sixth day of life. Oral feeding was slowly introduced.
Despite problems such as respiratory difficulties and severe gastro-oesophageal reflux, the team used a mix of drugs, cautious feeding procedures, and supportive therapy to control the disease.
“The baby showed remarkable recovery, and after days of close monitoring and care, full oral feeds were successfully established, and the baby was discharged with weight gain and parental education,” Lama said.
Lama explained that the condition can be observed shortly after birth in infants who cannot swallow their saliva, exhibit excessive drooling, or have difficulty breathing.
“The presence of polyhydramnios — an excess of amniotic fluid during pregnancy — can also be an indicator, as the baby’s inability to swallow amniotic fluid leads to its accumulation,” the doctor said.
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