Kolkata Surgeons Perform Life-Saving Surgery on Five-Month-Old

In a remarkable medical achievement, surgeons in Kolkata successfully saved a five-month-old baby boy from the brink of irreversible kidney damage. The infant, who resides in Nabadwip, Nadia district, underwent a laparoscopic pyeloplasty—a minimally invasive surgery—at Manipal Hospital in Mukundapur. This procedure aimed to alleviate a severe kidney blockage caused by congenital hydronephrosis.

The surgery was performed by Dr Subhasis Saha, a consultant paediatric surgeon at the hospital. Congenital hydronephrosis occurs when the kidney swells abnormally due to urine accumulation caused by an obstruction. In this case, the blockage was located at the junction where the kidney connects to the ureter, preventing proper urine flow and risking significant kidney damage.

The baby had been diagnosed with this condition during a prenatal scan. Despite the urgency, his parents faced challenges in finding timely intervention. The child’s mother, a homemaker, and his father, a car driver, visited multiple hospitals but were often advised to wait until their son was older for surgical intervention. Fortunately, after being referred by nephrologist Dr Lalit Kumar Agarwal to Dr Saha, the situation began to improve.

Successful Surgery and Quick Recovery

The laparoscopic pyeloplasty was conducted on July 29, 2023, with only a single 5mm incision and two 3mm incisions, significantly reducing recovery time and discomfort. Remarkably, the baby recovered well and was discharged within 48 hours, having experienced no visible marks on his abdomen.

Dr Saha highlighted the importance of timely intervention in such cases, stating, “Several kidney dilatations found in prenatal ultrasounds correct by themselves. But some are genuine obstructions that, if not treated, can seriously hamper kidney function.” He noted that while laparoscopic pyeloplasty is common for adults, it remains relatively rare in infants, particularly those under one year of age.

The procedure, although performed more frequently in other regions of the country, has seen limited application in Eastern India. Dr Saha emphasized the success of similar surgeries at Manipal Hospital, noting that since 2021, the facility has completed seven laparoscopic pyeloplasties in infants and approximately 70 in children aged 1 to 16 years since 2013.

A Grateful Family

The child’s father expressed immense gratitude following the surgery. He shared, “We had been running from one hospital to another for months, and were even told a kidney transplant might be needed. When we came to Manipal Hospital and met Dr. Subhasis Saha, he explained everything clearly and reassured us. He said a small keyhole surgery could save my baby’s kidney. The operation went well, and my son is now recovering. I wish we had come here earlier. I am truly thankful to the doctor and the entire team at Manipal for giving my child a new life.”

This case not only highlights the expertise available in Kolkata but also underscores the importance of seeking timely medical intervention for congenital conditions. As more families learn about such advanced surgical options, the potential for improved outcomes in pediatric healthcare continues to grow.