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, and poor response 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".

Although it was a challenging case due to the premature and weak baby, the surgeons promptly discovered and treated the hole in the stomach fundus, cleaned and drained the abdomen. The surgery, which lasted more than 90 minutes, opened 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 the 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.

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 patient was discharged from the hospital on the morning of July 3.

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.

The child may present with sudden abdominal distention, cyanosis, respiratory distress, abdominal distention, peritonitis and septic shock within a few hours. Delay in 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.

ROYAL APPLE

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