Doctors at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GBP Hospital performed a right-sided thoracotomy to repair a congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula in a newborn girl after she developed severe feeding and breathing difficulties, with the treatment provided free under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.
Key Takeaways:
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AGMC and GBP Hospital doctors successfully operated on a newborn girl with a congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
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The infant underwent surgery on October 7, after doctors admitted her in critical condition on October 5, 2026.
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The baby recovered after 12 days of NICU care and resumed direct breastfeeding. The entire treatment was provided free under the JSSK scheme.
A team of doctors at Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital (AGMC & GBPH) has successfully treated a newborn girl suffering from a rare congenital defect that created an abnormal connection between her food pipe and windpipe. The infant underwent surgery on October 7, two days after arriving at the hospital in critical condition. She has since recovered, resumed direct breastfeeding and is expected to be discharged soon.
The hospital provided the entire treatment free of cost under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), ensuring that the family incurred no out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Newborn Referred in Critical Condition
According to the details available, the new born girl was referred to AGMC and GBP Hospital from a private clinic around midnight on October 5, 2026. She belongs to a couple from Gabtali under the P.R. Bari police station area of South Tripura.
The newborn had struggled to swallow milk since birth. She also developed excessive frothing from the mouth and progressively worsening breathing difficulties. Her condition required immediate medical attention.
Upon arrival, the hospital admitted her to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) under the Department of Paediatrics. Dr Sribas Das, Associate Professor and unit in-charge, supervised the initial treatment.
The medical team first focused on stabilising the infant. Clinical examinations and a chest X-ray then raised suspicion of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, a congenital abnormal connection between the food pipe and the windpipe.
Doctors began preparing the newborn for surgery after identifying the suspected defect.
Surgical Team Repairs Congenital Defect
On October 7, the hospital’s medical team successfully performed a procedure known as right-sided thoracotomy and repair of tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon Dr Kanak Narayan Bhattacharya led the operation. Cardiac anaesthesiologists Dr Rimjhim Chakma and Dr Manimoy Debbarma also took part in the procedure.
The operation addressed the congenital abnormality responsible for the newborn’s feeding difficulties and breathing complications.
The successful surgery marked a crucial step in the infant’s recovery. However, she continued to require specialised care and close monitoring to ensure her condition remained stable after the procedure.
Twelve Days of NICU Care Support Recovery
Doctors kept the newborn in the NICU after surgery for intensive observation and treatment. The medical team gradually introduced tube feeding to stabilise her condition and support her recovery.
Seven days after the operation, doctors removed the feeding tube and started normal breastfeeding.
The infant remained under the NICU team’s care for 12 days. Following this period of treatment and monitoring, doctors shifted her to the neonatal ward.
Her condition has improved significantly. She is now with her mother, is reported to be healthy and stable, and has resumed direct breastfeeding.
The hospital is planning to discharge the baby soon, according to the available information.
Government Scheme Covers Entire Treatment
The hospital provided the complete treatment under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK). The government scheme covered the medical care without requiring the family to pay additional expenses.
The family therefore faced no out-of-pocket expenditure during the treatment process, including the surgery and subsequent hospital care.
The case highlights the role of specialised neonatal services and surgical intervention in managing complex congenital conditions. The coordinated efforts of the paediatric, surgical and anaesthesia teams helped the newborn recover from a serious condition identified soon after birth.
The infant’s progress, from emergency admission and surgery to successful breastfeeding, marks a positive outcome for the family and the treating team at AGMC and GBP Hospital.
