Newborn baby with perforated stomach miraculously saved

A premature baby weighing 2kg was hospitalized due to a perforated stomach. Doctors at Quang Tri Hospital performed emergency surgery during the golden time, saving the baby's life.

Doctors underwent a lengthy surgery to save the baby's life in time - Photo: QUANG HA

On July 3, Quang Tri General Hospital announced that it had successfully saved the life of a premature baby born at 35 weeks of pregnancy. The baby had a perforated stomach and this was a breathless race with a slim chance of survival.

Previously, on June 5, a 2kg newborn patient residing in Dakrong commune, Quang Tri province, was admitted to the hospital in a state of poor mobility, severe respiratory failure, distended abdomen, and dirty green gastric fluid, with poor response to treatment.

Through X-ray, doctors discovered free air in the abdomen - a dangerous sign of a perforated hollow organ. Immediately, the hospital's red alert was activated. The team of neonatologists and general surgeons urgently established an IV line, provided mechanical ventilation to support breathing; performed intensive resuscitation: fluid replacement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, acid-base adjustment; and most importantly, ordered emergency surgery during the "golden time".

Although it was a challenging case due to the baby being premature and weak, the surgeons promptly discovered and treated the hole in the stomach fundus, cleaned and drained the abdomen. The surgery lasted more than 90 minutes, opening up hope of survival for the baby.

The patient was discharged from the hospital in the joy and happiness of his family and doctors - Photo: QUANG HA

After surgical intervention, the post-operative period is the second "battle" that plays an important role in the child's recovery process. The baby is treated intensively in the neonatal intensive care unit: respiratory support, total parenteral nutrition, strong antibiotics, infection control and nutrition.

With meticulous and delicate care from a team of experienced neonatal pediatricians, after 2 weeks of special care, the baby overcame post-operative complications and made a spectacular recovery, bringing great joy to the family and the treatment team. The patient's health has stabilized, the surgical wound is dry and bowel movements are completely normal.

The child was discharged from the hospital on the morning of July 3.

According to doctors, gastric perforation in newborns is an extremely dangerous surgical emergency, with a mortality rate of up to 30 - 60% if not diagnosed and intervened promptly, especially in premature infants. The cause is often unclear, and may be related to perinatal hypoxia, asphyxia, early corticosteroid use, or congenital digestive disorders.

Children may develop sudden abdominal distention, cyanosis, respiratory distress, abdominal distention, peritonitis, and septic shock within hours. Delayed diagnosis and treatment almost always means failure in treatment.

This case is a clear demonstration of the professional capacity, quick response ability and effective coordination between departments at Quang Tri General Hospital.

HOANG TAO

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tre-so-sinh-thung-da-day-duoc-cuu-song-ky-dieu-20250703220846226.htm