8-Month-Old Baby with Life-Threatening Tumor in Windpipe Saved by Little Stars & She Doctors in Hyderabad

In a landmark medical achievement, doctors at Little Stars & She Women and Children’s Hospital have successfully saved the life of an 8-month-old baby boy by removing a large tumor from his windpipe using thoracoscopy, a minimally invasive keyhole surgery. This is the first time such a procedure has been successfully performed in Hyderabad, offering a new ray of hope for pediatric patients with similar complex conditions.
The baby, hailing from Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, was admitted to the hospital with severe respiratory distress, persistent cough, and fever. Initial medical evaluations had failed to address his deteriorating condition. Upon arrival at Little Stars & She, an MRI and CT scan confirmed the presence of a 4.5 x 4.3 x 3.2 cm tumor in the upper lobe of his left lung, which was compressing his airway and causing critical breathing difficulty.
Given the extreme risks associated with traditional open surgery in an infant of this age, the surgical team, led by Dr. Satish Ghanta, made the crucial decision to perform a thoracoscopy. The procedure, which is less invasive, involves small incisions and a specialized camera, significantly reducing recovery time and post-operative complications. During the surgery, the tumor, which originated from the main bronchus of the left lung, was found to be even larger than initially suspected, measuring 6 x 4 x 4 cm. Despite its size and critical location, the team successfully resected the mass.
Following the procedure, the baby was placed in the PediatricIntensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring. He received oxygen support, IV fluids, and antibiotics. Within just four days, his condition showed remarkable improvement, with his oxygen saturation rising to 98%, and he was discharged in a stable and healthy condition.
Dr. Satish Ghanta stated, "This case presented a unique challenge due to the baby’s young age and the size and location of the tumor. Performing open surgery would have been incredibly high-risk, potentially leading to significant morbidity. By opting for thoracoscopy, we were able to successfully remove the tumor with minimal trauma to the child’s body. This is a monumental step forward for pediatricsurgery in our region and demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class, innovative care to our youngest patients."
This successful surgery not only saved the baby's life but also sets a new benchmark for advanced pediatric surgical care in Hyderabad, highlighting the expertise and capabilities of the medical professionals at Little Stars & She Hospital.
About Little Stars & She Women and Children’s Hospital:Little Stars & She Women and Children’s Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical facility dedicated to providing specialized care for women and children. With a focus on advanced medical practices and a compassionate approach, the hospital aims to be a leader in pediatric and maternal healthcare in the region.