R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 17
In a landmark paediatric surgical feat, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, has successfully performed a minimally invasive Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) on a one-year-old girl, removing a rare congenital lung defect and setting a new benchmark in advanced infant care.
- Rare to Remarkable: One-year-old beats a 2% congenital lung anomaly with precision VATS surgery
- Foetal Foresight: Early diagnosis during pregnancy enables meticulously timed intervention
- Keyhole Breakthrough: First-of-its-kind thoracoscopic removal of lung sequestration in Chennai
- Speedy Comeback: ICU to discharge in 3 days underscores power of minimally invasive care
- Future Assured: Growing lungs to compensate; child expected to lead a normal, healthy life
The condition—bronchopulmonary sequestration, a rare congenital malformation of the airway and lung—was detected during foetal development and closely monitored until the child turned one, allowing doctors to plan a safe and optimally timed intervention. The anomaly accounts for only about 2% of congenital lung disorders.
A delicate, high-stakes procedure
The complex surgery, lasting three-and-a-half hours, involved removing the non-functional lower lobe of the left lung and carefully ligating an abnormal blood supply from the aorta—an intricate task, especially in an infant.
The procedure was led by Dr Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar along with a multidisciplinary team of paediatric surgeons, neonatologists, anaesthetists and ICU specialists.
‘Technically demanding, but worth it’
Addressing a media conference Dr Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar said, “This was a particularly challenging surgery because the bronchopulmonary sequestration was located entirely within the left lung lobe and had a major blood supply directly from the aorta. Performing the procedure thoracoscopically in a child is technically demanding due to the limited space in the chest cavity. However, we opted for it, as this minimally invasive approach could mean less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to conventional open surgery.”
Replying to queries, he said that this treatment is covered under the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.
From ICU to home in 72 hours
The child’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable—shifted from ICU within hours and discharged in just three days.
Doctors highlighted that paediatric lungs continue to grow until around nine years of age, enabling the remaining lung tissue to compensate effectively for the removed portion. The child is expected to lead a completely normal and healthy life.
MGM’s minimally invasive edge
In a statement Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President – Group Strategic Initiatives, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, said “This successful surgery demonstrates our commitment to advanced paediatric surgical care and highlights our focus on minimally invasive techniques that ensure faster recovery and better outcomes for our patients,” said
Why this feat matters
- First-of-its-kind in Chennai using VATS for this rare condition
- Avoids large incisions and reduces trauma in infants
- Faster recovery, minimal pain and shorter hospital stay
- Demonstrates growing capability in advanced paediatric thoracic surgery in India
Dr. Kalpana Thai, Medical Superintendent, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar welcomed the gethering.
Patient’s Father, Dr. Prabhakaran G, Senior Consultant, Dr. Vidhya Mohanram, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia, Dr.Arun Kumar S, Lead Consultant – Neonatology , Dr. N.K.V. Vigneshwar, Associate Consultant – Neonatology, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar were also present at the media conference.
