In a remarkable medical achievement, a team of doctors at King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has given a new lease of life to an 11-month-old baby suffering from an extreme case of hydrocephalus. The condition, marked by a dangerous accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, had caused the infant's head to swell to a staggering circumference of 84 centimeters.
A Daunting Diagnosis and Delayed Treatment
The baby's challenging journey began even before birth. During the eighth month of pregnancy, doctors detected an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the baby's brain, diagnosing hydrocephalus. After birth, the situation grew more complex as the newborn developed a severe infection, necessitating a nearly two-month stay in the ICU. Due to unavoidable circumstances, consistent medical treatment was interrupted, allowing the condition to worsen significantly over the following months.
The unchecked fluid pressure led to an alarming enlargement of the baby's head and the onset of vision-related problems. Prof. J.D. Rawat, Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department at KGMU, highlighted the severity, stating, "A normal 11-month-old child has a head circumference of 43-47 cm, but this baby's head was a dangerous 84 cm, indicating extreme pressure on the brain." The child was referred from Jhalkari Bai Hospital to KGMU for specialized care.
The High-Risk Surgical Intervention
Prof. Rawat noted that this was an unusual and complex case, as hydrocephalus is typically addressed much earlier in infancy. The massive head size coupled with early vision complications made the required surgery considerably more difficult and risky. After conducting the necessary tests, Prof. J.D. Rawat and Dr. Preeti Kumari performed a life-saving shunt surgery on January 8. The procedure aimed to drain the excess fluid from the baby's brain and relieve the crippling pressure.
The operation, conducted with crucial support from anaesthetist Dr. Ayushi Bagga and nursing staff Sanjay and Santosh, was a success despite the high risks involved. This delicate pediatric surgery at KGMU stands as a testament to the team's skill and dedication.
A New Beginning for the Child and Family
The outcome has brought immense relief to the distressed family. Post-surgery, doctors confirmed that the excess fluid is steadily reducing and the child is in stable condition with no complications. In a positive sign of recovery, the baby was allowed to start eating and drinking the very next day after the operation.
Commending the medical team for their exemplary work, KGMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Soniya Nityanand congratulated them for successfully handling such a challenging case. This successful intervention at one of Uttar Pradesh's premier medical institutions has not only saved a young life but also offered hope in the face of a severe pediatric neurological condition.
