4-Month-Old Baby Undergoes Rare, Life-Saving Minimal Access Surgery at AIIMS

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four-month-old baby boy from Delhi has successfully undergone a rare and life-saving minimally invasive lung surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The infant was diagnosed with congenital lobar overinflation (CLO), a condition that causes part of the lung to overinflate, compressing healthy lung tissue and making breathing extremely difficult.

Since birth, the baby struggled with severe respiratory distress, requiring prolonged hospitalization. Despite being discharged, he continued to suffer from breathing difficulties, leading to repeated hospitalizations for pneumonia. After a thorough evaluation at AIIMS, doctors classified the case as semi-urgent and prioritized surgical intervention despite the hospital’s high patient load.

A Delicate, High-Precision Surgery

The complex procedure was led by Dr. Vishesh Jain, professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi. Instead of performing traditional open-chest surgery, which involves large incisions, significant pain, and a long recovery, the team opted for a thoracoscopic approach—a highly advanced technique requiring extraordinary precision, especially in infants.

Using specialized instruments just 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter and a miniature camera, surgeons carefully navigated the tiny chest cavity to remove the diseased lung segment. The procedure was particularly challenging, as even a minor miscalculation could damage critical blood vessels.

A major crisis occurred early in the surgery when the affected lung segment overexpanded under anesthesia, dangerously lowering the child’s oxygen levels. Thanks to the swift intervention of Dr. Nishant Patel, the anesthesiologist, oxygen was successfully redirected to the healthy portion of the lung, stabilizing the baby and allowing the procedure to continue. The problematic lung tissue was then carefully removed through a tiny 10-millimeter incision.

Remarkable Recovery in Just Two Days

Due to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery, the baby made an exceptionally fast recovery. He was discharged just two days later, breathing comfortably for the first time in his life. The absence of a large surgical wound not only reduced pain but also minimized the risk of complications, ensuring a smooth recovery.

According to the surgical team, the baby is one of the youngest patients in India to undergo such a complex lung surgery using a completely minimally invasive approach.

His parents, who endured months of uncertainty, are overjoyed to see their son finally thriving. “We are incredibly grateful to the doctors at AIIMS. This experience has shown us that even the most complex medical conditions can be treated successfully with advanced techniques,” they said. They also expressed their willingness to share their experience with other families facing similar challenges.

AIIMS at the Forefront of Pediatric Surgical Innovation

Dr. Sandeep Agarwala, professor and head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS, highlighted the significance of this milestone. “This case reaffirms AIIMS’ commitment to providing cutting-edge pediatric surgical care, even for the youngest and most fragile patients. While thoracoscopic surgeries are routine at AIIMS, the successful use of minimal access surgery in such a small child with severe disease makes this case unique and remarkable.”

This achievement further establishes AIIMS, New Delhi, as a leader in pediatric minimally invasive surgery, ensuring that even the most vulnerable patients receive world-class care with the least surgical trauma.

Medical Images Show the Impact of Surgery

The parents have shared consented images to spread awareness and instill confidence in other families.

1. Before Surgery – An X-ray of the baby’s chest shows the overinflated lung (marked with an arrow) compressing the heart and shifting it to the opposite side.
2. During Surgery – Small tubes inserted into the baby’s chest allowed surgeons to perform the procedure using a camera and micro-instruments.
3. After Surgery – The post-surgery X-ray reveals a normal lung structure, with the heart returning to its natural position.
4. At Discharge – A heartwarming image of the mother and baby just two days after surgery, showcasing a rapid and successful recovery.

This groundbreaking case is a testament to the advancements in pediatric surgery and the unwavering dedication of medical professionals in India.