The baby was diagnosed with a left diaphragmatic hernia while in the mother’s womb
Surgery was meticulously planned in advance, including complex anesthesia management
Post-surgery, the child has a high chance of leading a normal life
Chennai, March 4, 2025: In a rare medical achievement, a team of doctors at SRM Global Hospitals successfully performed a complex surgical procedure called thoracoscopic meshplasty on a three-day-old baby diagnosed with congenital left diaphragmatic hernia. Following the successful minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery, the baby made a full recovery and was discharged within a week.
A routine prenatal scan had revealed a deformity in the baby’s diaphragm—the membrane that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. The birth defect created a hole in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver to move into the chest. This severely compressed the lungs and heart, making it difficult for the baby to breathe. The child was born with only one functional lung, which was underdeveloped and compromised.
Recognizing the critical nature of the condition, Dr. M. Saravana Balaji and Dr. N. Prathiba, Pediatric Surgeons at SRM Global Hospitals, meticulously planned the life-saving surgery even before birth. At delivery, Dr. Prithiv Raj oversaw the procedure and ensured immediate intubation, while Dr. C. Ashok managed stabilization in the Neonatal ICU. On the third day of life, the baby underwent thoracoscopic meshplasty. The anesthesia team, led by Dr. Varun Chellapandi and Dr. Priyadharshini Sampath, played a crucial role in managing the high-risk anesthesia requirements.
The minimally invasive surgery involved making a small incision to push the displaced abdominal organs back into the abdomen. A surgical mesh was then placed to reinforce the diaphragm, enabling the chest organs to develop properly. The baby recovered remarkably well and was discharged in stable condition within a week.
Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President of SRM Group, praised the team, stating:
“Advancements in diagnostics, critical care, and minimally invasive surgery have made complex neonatal surgeries like this possible. The seamless coordination between our antenatal, neonatal, and surgical teams played a pivotal role in achieving this successful outcome. At the end of the day, we are glad and happy to have helped the child go on and lead a normal life.”
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Saravana Balaji and Dr. Prathiba added:
“Successfully performing thoracoscopic meshplasty on a newborn with such a large defect is a significant achievement. This minimally invasive approach allowed us to repair the diaphragm with minimal disruption, ensuring better recovery. The baby’s remarkable progress underscores the effectiveness of this well-planned teamwork.”
