Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar’s Neonatal Miracle: Saving a 25-Week Preemie from Surgical Catastrophe
Bhubaneshwar: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar has successfully managed an extremely premature baby born at just 25 weeks of gestation, weighing only 680 grams. This remarkable case highlights the expertise of the hospital’s neonatal team in handling critical neonatal complications.
The baby, hailing from Sonepur in Boudh district, was delivered at a private nursing home due to maternal complications and was transported by Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar’s expert neonatal transport team just two hours after birth. As expected with extreme prematurity, the baby faced multiple challenges, including respiratory distress and feeding intolerance. However, on the 22nd day of life, the baby developed surgical complication, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that led to necrosis and perforation of a major portion of the intestine.
Under the skilled care of Dr. Janaki Ballava Pradhan, Senior Consultant – Paediatrics and Dr. Abhilipsa Acharya, Consultant – Paediatrics from Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar, along with dedicated team, the infant showed significant improvement over the first two weeks, tolerating mother’s milk and gaining strength. A complex five-hour surgery was performed by Dr. Baikuntha Narayan Mishra, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, and the baby was managed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) postoperatively. After two weeks, the infant resumed feeding. However, at discharge, ileostomy dehiscence occurred, where the surgical incision in the abdominal wall failed, requiring a second closure surgery. This additional surgical intervention was successfully performed, demonstrating the resilience of both the medical team and the infant.
After 100 days in the NICU, the baby was discharged weighing 1.8 kg and feeding well via paladai. Regular follow-ups at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar ensured continued progress. Today, at 18 months of corrected age, the child is thriving—running, playing, and eating independently, without any residual complications.
Dr. Janaki Ballava Pradhan, Senior Consultant – Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar commented, “This case is nothing short of a miracle. In most instances, such extreme prematurity leads to severe complications, but with expert care and teamwork, we were able to overcome the odds. I am immensely proud of our team’s dedication and the remarkable recovery of this little fighter.”
Dr. Baikuntha Narayan Mishra, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar added, “Performing surgery on such a fragile infant was an immense challenge, but with our advanced neonatal care, we achieved a remarkable outcome. Given the baby’s tiny size, low weight, and surgical risks, survival is nearly impossible, with only a 20% chance and high risk of neurological issues. Yet, this little fighter has thrived, leading a normal life for 18 months”
Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar remarked, “This case underscores our hospital’s commitment to providing world-class neonatal care. We are proud of our team’s expertise and the trust placed in us by the parents.”
The parents’ unwavering faith and courage, along with the dedicated efforts of the neonatal team at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar, played a crucial role in this success story. This case stands as a testament to the hospital’s commitment to advanced neonatal care, ensuring better survival outcomes for extremely premature infants.
