AIIMS doctors perform rare lung surgery on four-month-old infant
New Delhi, July 15
Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, have successfully performed a rare and technically complex lung surgery on a four-month-old infant born with a congenital lung malformation affecting both lungs, with the child being discharged just two days after the operation.
According to AIIMS, the infant was diagnosed before birth with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), a rare condition in which part of the lung develops abnormally, forming non-functional cyst-like tissue. The condition affected both lungs, making the surgery more challenging than typical cases involving only one lung.
Instead of removing an entire lobe of the lung, the surgical team performed a segmentectomy, removing only the diseased portions of the right lung while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible. The procedure involved the removal of segments 9 and 10 of the right lower lobe, considered among the most technically difficult lung segments to operate on.
"This safely performed keyhole surgery on an infant just four months old is a significant technical achievement. Outcomes like this are only possible because of teamwork and the dedicated healthcare workers at AIIMS, whose infrastructure and facilities are well suited to conducting such complex, lung-preserving pediatric surgeries," said Dr Sandeep Agarwala, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS.
The surgery was led by Professor Vishesh Jain of the Department of Pediatric Surgery. AIIMS said a key factor in the operation's success was selective lung ventilation, a specialised anaesthesia technique that allows surgeons to operate on one lung while the other continues supporting the child's breathing. The procedure was managed by Dr Abhishek from the Department of Anaesthesia.
The surgery was completed without complications, and the infant was discharged two days later.
Since the congenital malformation affects both lungs, the operation addressed only the right lung. AIIMS said the child will undergo a second surgery on the left lung in the coming months after recovering from the first procedure.
The institute said the case demonstrates that lung-preserving surgery, rather than removing an entire lobe, is now a feasible option even in very young infants when clinically appropriate, offering better prospects for long-term lung function.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wonderful achievement! But I hope the hospital also makes these procedures accessible to poorer families. Many parents in rural areas can't afford such advanced surgeries. The government should ensure that such life-saving treatments are available at subsidised rates, not just at premier institutes like AIIMS but also in district hospitals. Still, kudos to the doctors for pushing the boundaries of medical science. 👏
As someone working in healthcare abroad, I'm genuinely impressed. Selective lung ventilation on a four-month-old is no joke—it requires exceptional anaesthesia management. Dr Abhishek and the team deserve recognition for that aspect alone. This puts AIIMS on the global map for pediatric thoracic surgery. The baby's parents must be so relieved. Wishing the little one a smooth recovery for the second surgery as well! 🌟
Great news! But let's not forget the parents' courage too—imagine the stress of knowing your newborn has a rare lung condition affecting both lungs. And then trusting doctors to perform such a risky surgery. The second operation in the coming months will be another challenge. Truly, modern medicine is amazing. The keyhole approach means less pain and faster recovery for the baby. Well done, AIIMS team! 💪
This is a technical marvel. Operating on segments 9 and 10 of the right lower lobe is notoriously difficult even in adults, let alone a four-month-old. The fact that they performed it via keyhole surgery (VATS, I assume) makes it even more impressive. Lung-preserving approaches are the future, and India is showing the way. My only concern: why wasn't the left lung addressed simultaneously? But I'm sure the team has valid medical reasons. Best wishes! 🫁
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