Tripura, 28 Nov 2025: Doctors at Tripura Medical College & Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital (Hapania) have successfully performed a complex and rare surgery on a 25-day-old infant, marking a significant medical achievement for the institution’s pediatric surgery unit.
The newborn, born at a private nursing home on 24 October, was referred to Dr. Anubrata Basak, Pediatric Surgeon, with Omphalocele a congenital condition in which the baby’s abdominal organs protrude through the navel, covered only by a thin membrane.
Initial Recovery Followed by Sudden Deterioration
According to the child’s father, Sudipta Debnath of Ranibazar, the baby initially responded well to conservative treatment and was discharged after 10–12 days. However, within two weeks, the infant developed severe complications, including abdominal swelling, vomiting, inability to pass stool, and signs of infection around the navel. The parents rushed back to TMC on 14 November.
Despite further medication, the baby’s condition did not improve. Diagnostic tests, including a CT scan and ultrasound, revealed that the abdominal organs had become adhered to the membrane, causing obstruction of the intestines.
A High-Risk Surgery on a 25-Day-Old
With the baby’s condition worsening, doctors decided to operate. The surgery was carried out on 17 November.
“Operating on a 25-day-old infant with organs stuck to the protective membrane is extremely challenging,” said Dr. Basak. “We removed the membrane and carefully separated the adhered intestines. Thankfully, the child is now stable, feeding well, and passing stool normally.”
He credited the success to the coordinated efforts of the pediatric surgery team and supporting units, acknowledging colleagues Dr. Manideepa, Dr. Nikita, and Dr. Nayanmani Debbarma, along with the anesthesia, OT, and SNCU teams.
The infant’s mother has been identified as Payel Debnath.
Cost Under Government Scheme vs Private Sector
Dr. Basak said the family incurred minimal expenses under the JSSK (Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram) scheme. The only major cost was the OT charge, approximately ₹9,180, in line with government hospital norms.
“In a private hospital, this procedure could easily cost ₹5–10 lakh or more, especially with ICU charges and high OT rates,” he noted.
A Rare Complication
Although Omphalocele cases typically respond to medication with almost 90% recovering without surgery this case fell into the rare 10–15% category where complications develop.
TMC authorities have termed the successful surgery a significant accomplishment for the hospital’s pediatric surgery wing.
