Tripura has marked a major medical breakthrough by successfully performing surgery on a 43-day-old new-born diagnosed with a congenital branchial cyst — a rare procedure believed to be the first of its kind in India for such a young infant.
The ground-breaking operation was conducted on a baby boy from Amarpur, who had been under medical observation even before birth. The case drew significant attention from medical professionals due to both the rarity of the condition and the extremely young age of the patient. According to the attending surgeon, no documented instance exists of a branchial cyst being surgically removed from a child younger than eight months anywhere in the country.
Diagnosis Before Birth Raised Early Concerns
The child, born to Amarpur Malbasa residents Uttam Kumar Jamatia and Khafuti Tripura, entered the world on October 13 through a normal delivery at the Amarpur Government Hospital. However, his parents were already aware that he had a medical condition requiring careful follow-up. During a routine antenatal check-up at six months of pregnancy, doctors detected the presence of a branchial cyst — a congenital anomaly that forms due to developmental irregularities in the neck region.
Branchial cysts can vary widely in size and may continue to enlarge after birth, sometimes causing breathing or feeding difficulties. Early detection is crucial, and clinicians must carefully evaluate whether immediate surgical intervention is necessary.
Referral for Advanced Care
Once the child was born, medical officers at the Amarpur Government Hospital promptly referred the case to noted paediatric surgeon Dr Aniruddha Basak, known for handling complex neonatal and infant cases. When the baby was just 17 days old, Dr Basak conducted a thorough examination and recommended several diagnostic tests, including imaging studies, to better assess the growth pattern and risk factors associated with the cyst.
During this short period, the baby’s parents noticed that the swelling was increasing far more rapidly than expected. The progression caused anxiety among the family, prompting them to consult Dr Basak again with the full set of test results.
Rapid Growth of Cyst Increased Medical Urgency
Doctors reported that the cyst had grown to a size that could soon interfere with essential functions. “The enlargement was unusual and needed urgent intervention,” hospital sources noted. The infant was admitted on November 21 for continuous monitoring, stabilisation and preparation ahead of the high-risk procedure.
Given the baby’s age, the surgical team had to take extraordinary precautions. Neonatal surgeries come with heightened risk due to the delicate anatomy, low body weight and sensitivity to anaesthesia.
Historic Surgery Performed With Precision
On November 25, after all vital parameters were stabilised, Dr Basak and his team proceeded with the operation. The surgery lasted for approximately two hours. The medical team achieved complete removal of the cyst without complications — a result praised by both local and national medical professionals.
Following the operation, the infant recovered steadily in the post-operative care unit, with doctors ensuring constant monitoring of breathing, feeding patterns and vital signs. The parents expressed immense gratitude for the medical team’s effort and dedication.
A Major Milestone for India’s Paediatric Surgery
Speaking about the achievement, Dr Basak explained the significance of the rare case. “Operating on a 43-day-old infant for a congenital branchial cyst is extremely challenging. Based on available medical records, no child younger than eight months has undergone such a surgery in India. This makes the procedure a remarkable accomplishment,” he said.
He added that the success of this surgery demonstrates the growing capabilities of paediatric surgical care in Tripura and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention for congenital anomalies.
Broader Implications for Child Healthcare
Experts say this case sets a precedent for future early-life surgeries in India. It underscores how improved diagnostic imaging, growing surgical expertise and strengthened neonatal care infrastructure are enabling doctors to treat complex conditions at an earlier stage than ever before.
For Tripura, the achievement elevates the state’s medical profile and may encourage more families to seek early consultation for congenital abnormalities.
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The successful surgery on the 43-day-old new-born not only marks a historic first for India but also stands as a testament to the dedication of Tripura’s healthcare professionals. As the infant continues to recover, the case serves as an inspiring reminder of the critical role of timely medical intervention and advancing paediatric surgical technology.
