MGM Healthcare Malar Performs Advanced ‘Keyhole’ Surgery on One-Year-Old Child in Chennai
Chennai: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, has successfully performed a minimally invasive Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) on a one-year-old girl, marking a significant medical milestone in the city.
The procedure involved the safe removal of a non-functional portion of the child’s left lung (lower lobe), affected by a rare congenital defect. Doctors said that if left untreated, the condition could have led to severe respiratory distress, recurrent infections, internal bleeding, and potential complications affecting heart function.
The defect was identified while the child was still in the womb and was closely monitored by doctors until she turned one. This enabled the medical team to carefully plan the surgery to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness. Hospital authorities noted that this is the first time in Chennai that the VATS technique has been successfully used to treat this specific rare congenital condition.
The surgery was led by Dr Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant, Department of Pediatric Surgery. The multidisciplinary team included Dr Mohan Raj, Dr G Prabhakaran, Dr S Arun Kumar, and Dr N K V Vigneshwar, along with critical care specialists.
The complex procedure lasted around three and a half hours, during which surgeons removed the affected lung segment and successfully blocked abnormal blood flow from the aorta to the damaged area.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam said the surgery was technically challenging due to the deep location of the defect and the small size of the child’s ribcage. However, the team opted for the minimally invasive approach as it offers significant advantages over open surgery, including reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.
Post-surgery, the child was monitored in the Intensive Care Unit and later shifted to the general ward after stabilisation. She was discharged within three days and is reported to be in good health. Doctors added that since lung development continues until around nine years of age, the remaining lung tissue is expected to compensate, allowing the child to lead a normal and healthy life.
Commenting on the achievement, Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer of MGM Healthcare Malar Hospital (Adyar), said the successful procedure highlights the hospital’s expertise in advanced pediatric surgeries and minimally invasive techniques, ensuring faster recovery and improved outcomes for patients.
