Rare keyhole surgery at DRM saves baby with respiratory tumour

Mysore/Mysuru: DRM Multispeciality Hospital, Vontikoppal, has performed the first thoracoscopic lobectomy for a rare and complex congenital lung condition in this region.

The baby, the couple’s first child, had a rare hybrid lesion of the right lower lobe — Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM) and Sequestration.

Initially advised to terminate the pregnancy, the couple had almost decided to abort. However, seeking a second opinion brought them to DRM Hospital, where doctors reassured them that surgery could be performed after delivery.

Paediatric Surgeon Dr. S.R. Avinash, addressing media persons at the hospital on Thursday, said that the baby girl was delivered safely under the care of Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Dr. Bindu Balasubramanian and Paediatrician Dr. Sharath Keerthi.

For the first few months, the child showed no signs of respiratory distress or infection. However, a CT scan at six months revealed the tumour, prompting preparations for a highly sensitive surgery.

Surgeons opted for a thoracoscopic lower lobectomy — a minimally invasive keyhole surgery — instead of the conventional open thoracotomy, which requires a large incision.

Despite technological challenges, Dr. Avinash and Dr. K.S. Kumar, along with their expert team, successfully removed the tumour. Dr. Santosh G. Rao and Dr. Rajat handled anaesthesia management.

Anaesthesia and Emergency Unit Head Dr. M.O. Santosh, DRM Hospital Managing Director Dr. B.H. Manjunath, D.T. Prakash, B.A. Suhas, S.S. Chidu and other team members were present at the press meet.

This post was published on September 20, 2025 6:26 pm