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November 14, 2024

Hernia Surgery on 23-Day-Old Infant: Dr. M. Saravana Balaji Leads Rare Procedure, Only Fourth Known Case Worldwide

Chennai, 6 September 2024: A 23-day-old premature baby, born at just 28 weeks, has successfully undergone a rare and complex surgery to treat Amyand’s hernia, a condition where a ruptured appendix is located in the groin. This marks only the fourth known case worldwide involving a preterm neonate.

The infant developed an obstructed right inguinoscrotal swelling on the 23rd day after birth, prompting an emergency surgery. The procedure involved three key components: inguinal exploration to assess the groin area, appendectomy to remove the ruptured appendix, and herniotomy to repair the hernia by removing the hernia sac and fixing the abdominal wall defect. 

Despite the delicate nature of the surgery, it was successfully completed within an hour, and the baby is now recovering well and gaining weight steadily under specialized care. Dr. M. Saravana Balaji, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, who led the surgery, commented, “While neonatal hernias are relatively common in preterm babies, Amyand’s hernia is exceptionally rare, affecting less than 0.07% of these infants. In this case, the perforated appendix made it even more critical, with a mortality rate of up to 30% if untreated. Our team’s swift and expert intervention was crucial to saving this baby’s life.”

The surgical team also included Dr. Prathiba N, along with anesthesia experts Dr. K. Anand and Dr. Dheepak Kumaran, supported by NICU doctors Dr. S. Subash and Dr. Ashok C. Postoperatively, the infant received specialized care in the NICU to ensure proper recovery.

SRM Global Hospitals, where the surgery took place, has been recognized for its ability to manage complex and rare medical cases, setting a new benchmark in neonatal care.

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