PUNE: In one of the most complex neonatal emergencies managed this year, Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Fatima Nagar, successfully saved a newborn diagnosed antenatally with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)—a rare but life-threatening birth anomaly in which a defect in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to migrate into the chest cavity, severely restricting lung development.
This case stands out not only because of its rarity but also because it exemplifies high-level teamwork, rapid preparedness, and best medical practices across multiple specialties.
Antenatal Detection and High-Risk Admission
On 15/11/2025, a 28-year-old expectant mother was admitted under the expert care of Dr. Swatika Kumari, Senior Gynaecologist, after a detailed fetal anomaly scan revealed left-sided CDH with severely hypoplastic lungs.
Recognising the extreme risk of respiratory collapse immediately after birth, the hospital activated its High-Risk Delivery Protocol, ensuring that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and surgical teams were on standby.
Birth and the Critical Golden Hour
The baby was delivered on November 15, 2025, at 9:16 AM. As anticipated, the newborn presented with severe respiratory distress, a classic indicator of compromised lung development in CDH cases.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ashwin Borade, Senior Pediatrician & Neonatologist, the NICU team initiated rapid resuscitation, advanced ventilation, and hemodynamic stabilisation. The first hour proved crucial, as the team worked swiftly to maintain oxygenation and prevent circulatory collapse.
Within hours, the neonate underwent a comprehensive evaluation to determine surgical readiness—an assessment made more challenging due to fragile lungs and compromised cardiopulmonary dynamics.
Life-Saving Surgical Intervention at 24 Hours of Life
At approximately 24 hours after birth, Dr. Pranav Jadhav, Pediatric Surgeon, performed a critical corrective surgery to reconstruct the diaphragm and reposition herniated abdominal organs.
The procedure required extraordinary precision, given:
- The newborn’s severely underdeveloped lungs
- High anaesthesia risk
- Potential intra-operative instability
Early intervention, coupled with coordinated preparation in the NICU, proved decisive in improving long-term survival chances.
Intensive Post-Operative Care and Steady Recovery
Over the next several days, the newborn remained under continuous NICU monitoring, requiring ventilatory support and vigilant management to prevent complications such as pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, shock, or feeding issues.
NICU nurses and resident doctors provided round-the-clock care, ensuring stabilisation of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters, gradual weaning from the ventilator, and careful initiation of feeds.
During this period, Lactation Consultant Dr. Rani Balgude offered essential support to the mother. Through structured counselling, guided expression technique,s and supervised latching, she facilitated the successful initiation of breastfeeding—an outcome crucial for immunity, growth, and emotional bonding in high-risk neonates.
Discharge and A Story of Hope
On 07/12/2025, the baby was discharged in stable condition, feeding exclusively on breastmilk and showing no post-operative complications.
For the medical team, the moment symbolised the culmination of weeks of dedication and teamwork.
“Cases like this remind us that medicine is not just science—it is teamwork, trust, and compassion. Our NICU team worked around the clock, and watching this little warrior leave the hospital in good health was truly heart-warming,” said Dr. Ashwin Borade, Senior Pediatrician & Neonatologist.
“This successful outcome reinforces how early diagnosis, coordinated preparedness, and multidisciplinary expertise can turn a critical neonatal emergency into a story of survival and hope,” added Dr. Pranav Jadhav, Pediatric Surgeon.