A groundbreaking surgery at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital has given a newborn baby girl a second chance at life, marking a significant achievement in pediatric care. Born with a rare and potentially life-threatening condition known as Gastroschisis, the infant underwent a meticulous one-and-a-half-hour operation that has brought renewed joy to her family.

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect where the intestines protrude outside the body through a hole in the abdominal wall near the umbilical cord. This condition occurs in about 4.3 per 10,000 live births and demands immediate surgical intervention to prevent severe complications or death.

Mrs. Sakshi Shukla, the baby's mother from Punjab, was informed of the defect during a Level-2 scan performed at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. Faced with the complexities of a high-risk pregnancy, Mrs. Shukla sought specialized care at Medanta, renowned for its advanced infrastructure and comprehensive approach to high-risk cases.

In India, the survival rate for Gastroschisis is approximately 45%, compared to 90% in Western countries, largely due to differences in medical technology and resources. Medanta’s tertiary and quaternary care capabilities, including a Level-3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a specialized pediatric team, are critical in bridging this gap and achieving international standards of care.

Dr. Preeti Rastogi, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Medanta, explained that upon the patient's arrival at 26 weeks, the team closely monitored for associated developmental issues and risks of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Given the baby's condition, it was crucial to deliver at term to minimize complications. At 37 weeks, an elective cesarean section was performed due to signs of oligohydramnios (decreased amniotic fluid) and reduced fetal movement. The baby, weighing 2.3 kg at birth, was in stable condition for surgery.

Dr. T J Antony, Director of Neonatology, highlighted the importance of the neonatal team’s role in ensuring the baby’s immediate stability. The surgical team, led by Dr. Shandip Kumar Sinha, Director of Pediatric Surgery, performed the delicate operation with precision. The team meticulously placed the intestines back into the abdominal cavity and ensured a proper closure to avoid complications. The surgery lasted 90 minutes with no post-operative issues.

Post-surgery, the baby was placed in the NICU, where she was ventilated for 48 hours and began gastric feeds on the fifth day of life. She received total parenteral nutrition until her digestive system was ready for oral feeding. After 12 days, she was discharged, much to the relief and happiness of her mother.

Mrs. Sakshi Shukla expressed profound gratitude to the Medanta team, noting their expertise and compassionate care. "The high-quality care and support we received helped us navigate this critical period with confidence and safety," she said.

This successful case underscores the exceptional capabilities of Medanta Hospital in managing complex neonatal conditions and offers a beacon of hope for families facing similar challenges.