Infant with perforated stomach miraculously saved.

Perforated stomach - Photo 1.

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

On July 3rd, Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital announced that they had successfully saved the life of a premature infant born at 35 weeks of gestation. The baby had a perforated stomach, and it was a nail-biting race against time with only a slim chance of survival.

Previously, on June 5-6, a newborn infant weighing 2kg, residing in Dakrong commune, Quang Tri province, was admitted to the hospital in a state of lethargy, severe respiratory failure, abdominal distension, and dirty green gastric fluid, responding poorly to treatment.

X-rays revealed free air in the abdominal cavity – a dangerous sign of perforation of a hollow organ. Immediately, an internal hospital emergency alert was activated. A team of neonatologists and general surgeons urgently established intravenous access, provided mechanical ventilation for respiratory support; performed intensive resuscitation: fluid replacement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, acid-base correction; and most importantly, initiated emergency surgery within the "golden hour".

Despite the challenging nature of the premature and weak infant's case, the surgeons were able to promptly detect and treat the perforation at the gastric fundus, cleaning and draining the abdominal cavity. The surgery, which lasted over 90 minutes, offered hope for the baby's survival.

Perforated stomach - Photo 2.

The young patient was discharged from the hospital amidst the joy and happiness of their family and the medical staff - Photo: QUANG HA

Following surgical intervention, the postoperative period is the second "battle" that plays a crucial role in the child's recovery. The baby receives intensive treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit: respiratory support, total parenteral nutrition, strong antibiotics, infection control, and nutritional support.

Thanks to the meticulous and attentive care from the experienced neonatal medical team, after two weeks of intensive care, the baby overcame post-operative complications and made a remarkable recovery, bringing great joy to the family and the treatment team. The patient's health is now stable, the surgical wound is dry, and bowel movements are completely normal.

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

According to doctors, gastric perforation in newborns is an extremely critical surgical emergency, with a mortality rate that can reach 30-60% if not diagnosed and treated promptly, especially in premature infants. The cause is often unclear, but may be related to perinatal hypoxia, asphyxia, early corticosteroid use, or congenital gastrointestinal disorders.

Children may develop sudden abdominal distension, cyanosis, respiratory distress, abdominal distension, peritonitis, and septic shock within hours. Delayed diagnosis and treatment almost always mean failure to save their lives.

This case clearly demonstrates the professional competence, quick response capabilities, and effective coordination among specialties at Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital.

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