Faridabad, May 2026: In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 88, Faridabad successfully treated a 33-week preterm baby diagnosed with a congenital Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF), performing a complex major surgery at just four days of life. The successful intervention on a low birth weight (1.7 kg) premature infant marks the region’s first of its kind surgery, managing highly challenging neonatal surgical cases.
The newborn was referred to Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, sector-88 Faridabad on the first day of life with severe respiratory distress and suspected Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF), a rare congenital condition in which an abnormal connection develops between the food pipe (esophagus) and windpipe (trachea), making feeding difficult and increasing the risk of serious respiratory complications. Being born at 33 weeks of gestation and weighing only 1.7 kg further elevated the complexity and risk associated with treatment.
Commenting on the case, Dr. Dhansukh Kumawat, Director- Paediatrics and Neonatology, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Sector-88, Faridabad, said, “Managing a premature baby with low birth weight and a congenital anomaly like TEF requires highly coordinated multidisciplinary care. The baby was experiencing respiratory distress due to lung immaturity, for which surfactant therapy was administered immediately to support lung function. Once the infant was stabilized, our team carefully planned surgical intervention, balancing the risks associated with prematurity against the urgent need for correction.”
Following initial stabilization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the baby underwent a major surgery involving thoracotomy with end-to-end esophageal anastomosis and fistula repair. The procedure was performed at only four days of life after meticulous preparation by neonatal, pediatric surgery and anesthesia teams. Given the baby’s fragile condition, intensive perioperative monitoring was maintained throughout treatment. The infant required a total of five days of mechanical ventilation, both before and after surgery, to support breathing and ensure recovery.
Explaining about the surgical complexity, Dr. Mrinal, Pediatric Surgeon, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 88, Faridabad, said, “Performing major corrective surgery for TEF in a 33-week preterm baby weighing just 1.7 kg is extremely challenging because every clinical decision must account for immature organs, vulnerability to infections and limited physiological reserves. Successful outcomes depend not only on surgery but also on synchronized support from neonatology, anesthesia and critical care teams. The baby’s steady recovery and transition to oral feeding is an encouraging outcome for all involved.”
After nearly two weeks of hospitalization and intensive monitoring, the infant demonstrated consistent recovery, transitioned successfully to oral and breastfeeding, and was discharged in stable condition as a healthy baby. The outcome highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely referral and access to advanced neonatal intensive care combined with specialized pediatric surgical expertise.
Mr. Parminder Singh, Facility Director, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 88, Faridabad, said, “This successful surgery on a 33-week preterm, low birth weight baby reflects the strength of our multidisciplinary clinical teams and our commitment to delivering advanced neonatal and pediatric care. Managing such complex cases requires not only medical expertise but also state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless coordination across departments. We are proud of our doctors, NICU team and support staff whose dedication made this life-saving intervention possible, further strengthening our vision of bringing world-class healthcare services closer to the region.”
The hospital acknowledged the collective efforts of the NICU team, pediatric surgery specialists, anesthesia team led by Dr. Bhawna, nursing staff and support teams for successfully managing such a high-risk case. The successful treatment reflects Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital’s growing capabilities in handling complex neonatal and pediatric surgical emergencies, offering advanced care to critically ill newborns and premature infants.
