Rare and High-Risk Surgery Performed in Tripura
Doctors at Tripura Medical College and Dr BR Ambedkar Teaching Hospital have successfully performed a rare and high-risk surgery on a 10-day-old premature baby suffering from neonatal gangrene. The condition is extremely uncommon in newborns and poses an immediate threat to life.
The infant, a baby girl, was born prematurely on December 25, 2025. She weighed only around one kilogram at birth, making her extremely vulnerable to complications.
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Complicated Birth and Early Medical Struggle
The baby was born to Jebin Begam and Jainul Haque, residents of the Irani police station area in Kailashahar of Unakoti district. Doctors said the mother’s amniotic sac ruptured while she was being taken to the hospital, leading to premature delivery.
Soon after birth, the newborn developed severe respiratory distress. As a result, doctors admitted her to a private hospital for immediate care. However, her condition remained critical due to her extremely low birth weight.
Multiple Referrals Before Diagnosis
In search of advanced treatment, the family moved the infant between several hospitals. She was first referred from a private facility to Silchar Medical College. Later, doctors referred her to Gauhati Medical College.
Despite these efforts, doctors expressed concerns about her survival because of her fragile condition. Consequently, the family returned home after being advised that treatment options were limited due to her low weight.
Later, a local paediatrician examined the baby and immediately advised the family to consult senior surgeon Dr Aniruddha Basak at Tripura Medical College.
Neonatal Gangrene Diagnosed at TMC
The baby was admitted to TMC on December 31, just six days after birth. After a thorough clinical examination, Dr Basak diagnosed her with neonatal gangrene in her right leg.
Doctors explained that neonatal gangrene is a rare but life-threatening condition in newborns. If left untreated, the infection can spread rapidly through the bloodstream. This can lead to organ failure and death.
“If immediate surgical intervention had not been carried out, the infection could have spread to the rest of the body. That would have drastically reduced the baby’s chances of survival,” Dr Basak said.
Delicate Surgery Performed on January 6
After detailed investigations and careful planning, the surgical team decided to proceed with emergency surgery. On January 6, doctors performed a Lisfranc amputation to remove the gangrenous part of the infant’s right leg.
Given the baby’s age, weight, and fragile health, doctors described the procedure as extremely complex. Every step required precision to prevent complications such as excessive blood loss or infection.
Despite the risks, the surgery was completed successfully.
Baby Under Close Observation, Doctors Optimistic
Hospital authorities confirmed that the infant is stable following the operation. She remains under continuous medical supervision in the neonatal care unit at TMC.
Doctors are closely monitoring her recovery and overall development. They have expressed cautious optimism about her survival and long-term health.
Medical experts said the case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely referral, and coordinated care. They also noted that such complex neonatal surgeries require specialised expertise and infrastructure.
Medical Team Applauded for Life-Saving Effort
Hospital officials praised the dedication and teamwork of the doctors, nurses, and support staff involved in the case. The successful surgery stands as a significant achievement for Tripura’s public healthcare system.
Doctors at TMC reaffirmed their commitment to providing advanced medical care, even in rare and challenging cases. They also urged parents to seek immediate medical attention for newborns showing signs of distress or unusual symptoms.