By Dr Jui Mandke, Paediatric Surgeon in Mumbai

Advances in fetal medicine and neonatal surgery continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. One such remarkable case involved the successful treatment of a preterm baby diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening lung condition known as Pulmonary Sequestration.

At 27 weeks of pregnancy, a 36-year-old mother was referred to Surya Hospitals, where detailed evaluation revealed serious fetal complications. Under the guidance of Dr. Vandana Bansal and a multidisciplinary team, a carefully planned strategy was put in place to ensure the best possible outcome.

A critical decision was made to perform pleural tapping just prior to delivery. This helped improve the baby’s condition at birth and allowed time for essential neonatal interventions, including intubation and chest drainage.

Following birth, the baby required intensive care and ventilator support. The next step was a highly delicate thoracic surgery performed by Dr Jui Mandke, an experienced paediatric surgeon in Mumbai. The procedure involved removing the abnormal portion of the lung, a complex task due to the risk of significant blood loss in such a fragile patient.

The success of this case highlights the importance of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, paediatric surgeons, and critical care teams. With meticulous monitoring, nutritional support, and infection control, the baby gradually improved.

By 8 weeks, the infant was able to tolerate full oral feeds and was discharged on the 65th day of life, weighing 2 kg. Follow-up evaluations confirmed normal growth and development.

This case stands as a testament to the evolving capabilities of modern paediatric surgery and fetal care. It also reinforces the role of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and expert surgical care in improving outcomes for high-risk newborns.

Dr Jui Mandke, Paediatric Surgeon in Mumbai, continues to be at the forefront of managing complex neonatal and paediatric surgical conditions with precision and compassion.