Tiny Life, Big Triumph: IGMC Shimla Doctors Save Newborn with Rare Surgery
In a heartwarming medical milestone, doctors at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, have successfully performed a rare and intricate surgery on a two-day-old newborn battling a life-threatening congenital condition—Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF).
Born at Kamla Nehru Hospital weighing just 2.4 kg, the infant showed alarming symptoms shortly after birth, including excessive salivation and difficulty inserting an orogastric tube. Recognizing the urgency, the baby was swiftly transferred to IGMC, where a pediatric team led by Dr. Praveen Bhardwaj admitted the child to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for immediate care.
On the second day of life, a team of pediatric surgeons—Dr. Raj Kumar, Dr. Kamal Kant Sharma, Dr. Manjeet, Dr. Ram Lok, Dr. Naveen Thakur, Dr. R.K. Negi, and Dr. Pradeep—performed a delicate reconstruction of the esophagus and corrected the abnormal connection between the windpipe and food pipe.
Behind the scenes, the anesthesia team led by Dr. S. Sodhi, along with Dr. Dara Singh Negi, Dr. Kartik, Dr. Radhika, Dr. Mehak, Dr. Srishti, and Dr. Shivani, ensured the baby’s airway and life support using advanced tools like a flexible video bronchoscope. OT assistant Kameshwar and nurses Sapna and Deepika provided vital support throughout the procedure.
Post-surgery, the newborn received round-the-clock care under the watchful eyes of Ward Sister Rita and her nursing team. Thanks to their dedication, the baby made a steady recovery and has now been discharged in stable condition.
Calling it a “life-saving breakthrough,” Dr. Raj Kumar, Head of Pediatric Surgery, praised the team’s precision and commitment. IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr. Rahul Rao added that the case reflects the hospital’s growing expertise in neonatal surgery and its unwavering mission to protect the tiniest lives in Himachal Pradesh.
