Doctors at Sarvodaya Hospital Perform Surgery on Newborn with Rare EA/TEF Condition
Faridabad: A two-day-old infant born with Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF), a congenital defect where the food pipe is improperly formed and connected to the windpipe instead of the stomach, underwent a corrective surgery at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.
EA/TEF is a life-threatening condition that can lead to saliva leaking into the respiratory system and stomach acid entering the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and increasing the risk of serious infections. Although it is a relatively common congenital condition, the survival rate after surgery remains significantly low.
Dr Shweta Kumari (Consultant - Paediatric Surgery) and her team faced a critical challenge: performing a complex four-hour surgery, (Thoracotomy and Primary Esophageal Anastomosis), on a mere 2-day-old infant. The intricate procedure involved disconnecting the food pipe from the windpipe and reconstructing a proper esophageal passage, all while managing the high risk of cardiac arrest during surgery.
“Such an experience can be physically and emotionally stressful for the parents of the baby. They, in this instance, endured uncertainty and apprehension because of the low survival rate of the procedure. Yet, the surgical team carefully performed the operation with the best outcome in mind while maintaining the newborn's natural pattern of development,” said Dr Kumari.
A thoracotomy is an incision through the chest wall to access the esophagus, often used to treat trauma, cancer, or congenital defects. Primary esophageal anastomosis refers to the immediate reconnection of the esophagus after removal of the abnormal segment.
This approach is preferred when there is minimal tissue loss, as it helps maintain the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract. Healing depends on tension-free suturing and preserving blood supply, with postoperative care focusing on monitoring for leaks, infections, and strictures, along with a gradual return to oral feeding.
According to the medical team, the positive outcomes of the surgery included:
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“The procedure is lifesaving in the setting of most complex of newborn congenital condition and offers the ray of hope in the already explained dismal scenario.”
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“The benefit is preserving the native Esophagus and using it to reconstruct a food pipe, which is the most natural course to follow.”
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“The surgery was completed in one stage, where first the abnormal connection between esophagus and trachea was repaired, and then the food pipe was reconstructed using the incomplete pieces of esophagus.”
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“Child started to be feed through oral sucking seven days after the surgery, which allowed the initiation of an easy and natural way of feeding.”
The child has shown progress in recovery and is currently healthy. The case reflects the importance of timely diagnosis, advancements in paediatric surgical techniques, and coordinated care in handling complex congenital anomalies.
“This case serves as a beacon of hope for parents facing similar challenges with their newborns, demonstrating that with expert medical intervention, even the most challenging congenital conditions can be successfully treated,” added Dr Kumari.