Chennai, July 2025
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre performed critical laparoscopic surgery to give a new life to an 8-day-old Newborn Girl. The surgical team was led by Dr. Saravana Balaji and Dr. N. Prathiba, Pediatric Surgeons from SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre.
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Successfully Operates on Newborn Kattankulathur. Doctors at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre recently performed a successful laparoscopic oophorectomy on an 8-day-old baby girl, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of minimally invasive techniques in neonatal surgery. The baby, born at term, was referred to after prenatal scans detected an intra- abdominal cyst. Further imaging revealed signs of ovarian torsion, a rare but urgent condition in newborns. The surgical team, led by paediatric surgeons Dr. Prathiba N. and Dr. Saravana Balaji, opted for a laparoscopic approach despite the technical challenges associated with neonatal cases. Anaesthesia care was provided by Dr. Varun C.
During the procedure, the team identified a twisted ovarian cyst with gangrenous changes on the left side. The ovary, which had undergone torsion, was non-viable and was removed using a minimally invasive technique. The baby recovered well, began taking feeds early, and was discharged in stable condition within two days.
“This case demonstrates the advantages of minimally invasive surgery in even the youngest patients,” said Dr. Prathiba N. Dr. M. Saravana Balaji added, “With the right expertise and equipment, laparoscopy can be safely considered for complex neonatal cases.”
Dr. Mohan Kumar, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery said, “It enables faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and improved cosmetic outcomes.”
The success at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre highlights the growing role of minimally invasive surgery in neonatal cases and underscores the importance of expanding such expertise to other centers across the country.
Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Medicine and Health Sciences) said, “At SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, our focus is on excellence in patient care, education, and research. With world-class facilities and strong leadership support, we are committed to producing top-tier medical professionals and advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration.”
Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, commenting about the multi-disciplinary approach to this case said, “This condition affects approximately 4.9 in every 100,000 female newborns annually and the case highlights the precision and benefits of laparoscopy even in the youngest patients. The approach offered excellent visualization, minimal scarring, and the ability to assess the entire abdomen making procedure timely, and multidisciplinary intervention even more extraordinary. The multi-disciplinary team of paediatric surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesia, and NICU specialists ensured diligence and care right from detecting the torson to delivery of the baby to the surgical intervention and post-surgery care which helped the baby a new lease of life.”
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