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Traditionally, such tumours are removed through open surgery. But doctors at a Hyderabad hospital decided to use thoracoscopy that involves small incisions and specialised tools
The infant, from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, had been battling severe cough, fever, and breathing difficulties for weeks. (Photo: News18 Telugu)
In what doctors are calling a ground-breaking achievement in paediatric surgery, surgeons at a hospital in Hyderabad successfully removed a malignant tumour from the trachea of an eight-month-old infant using a state-of-the-art thoracoscopy technique — a first for the city.
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The infant, from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, had been battling severe cough, fever, and breathing difficulties for weeks. Initially treated locally, the baby’s condition did not improve, prompting his family to seek specialised care in Hyderabad.
A Hidden Danger
Upon arrival, doctors at Little Stars & She Women and Children’s Hospital conducted detailed examinations, including re-analysing MRI and CT scans, and discovered a 4.5 cm tumour in the trachea — the windpipe that carries air to the lungs. This growth, measuring 4.5 × 4.3 × 3.2 cm, originated in the left main bronchial tube and was obstructing the airway, making breathing increasingly difficult for the baby.
“This was a delicate case,” said a senior doctor involved in the surgery. “The tumour’s location, size, and the young age of the patient made it a unique surgical challenge.”
The Surgical Breakthrough
Traditionally, such tumours are removed through open surgery, which involves larger incisions and a longer recovery. However, for this infant, open surgery carried high risks, including severe complications. The surgical team decided to use thoracoscopy — a minimally invasive technique involving small incisions and specialised tools to access the tumour.
This method is rarely used in infants and has never been applied to such a case in Hyderabad before. During surgery, doctors successfully removed a tumour measuring 6 × 4 × 4 cm.
“The choice of thoracoscopy allowed us to operate with minimal trauma, reducing recovery time and risks significantly,” said Dr Satish Ghanta, who led the team. “This is a major step forward for paediatric surgery in our region and a milestone in innovative medical care for young patients.”
A New Standard Of Care
The operation marks not only a life-saving intervention but also a milestone in Hyderabad’s medical history, setting a new benchmark for advanced paediatric procedures in the city.
After surgery, the baby was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), receiving oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and antibiotics. Within four days, he was discharged in stable condition with normal oxygen levels — a testament to the success of the operation and post-operative care.
Why This Matters
Tracheal tumours in infants are extremely rare and difficult to treat. They pose immediate risks due to airway obstruction and require careful planning and execution. The success of this surgery highlights how medical advancements, such as thoracoscopy, can transform high-risk procedures and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable patients.
For the baby’s family, it was a journey from fear to relief. For the medical community in Hyderabad, it is a moment of pride and inspiration — showing that with expertise, innovation, and determination, even the most complex challenges can be overcome.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 24, 2025, 21:16 IST
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