Pune: In a remarkable life-saving intervention, doctors at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory successfully treated a 33-week preterm baby diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a life-threatening gastrointestinal condition, along with severe sepsis and a fungal infection caused by Candida parapsilosis.
The case highlights the critical importance of timely intervention in managing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in premature infants.
The preterm baby, initially born at a private hospital in Pune, was shifted in critical condition to Sahyadri Superspeciality Hospital MomStory at Nagar Road.
The case posed multiple challenges, as the infant’s fragile condition combined with severe infections required immediate surgical intervention, intensive care, and a highly complex treatment plan.
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Managing Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Expert Coordination, Precise Medication, Constant Monitoring
The success of this highly complex case was led by Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, Director of Neonatology & Pediatrics at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Nagar Road, along with his team, who navigated the delicate balance of intervention and care necessary for survival. Their approach ensured that the complications arising from Necrotizing Enterocolitis were addressed effectively.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a dangerous condition that causes severe inflammation and damage to the intestines and can rapidly become fatal in preterm infants due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Given the severity of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in this case, every clinical decision was critical.
To control the rapidly deteriorating condition, an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed by senior pediatric surgeon Dr. Pranav Jadhav on February 12, 2025.
During the procedure, the damaged portion of the intestine affected by Necrotizing Enterocolitis was removed, and an ileostomy was performed to stabilize the infant.
The post-operative period remained extremely critical, as the baby required continuous ventilator support, inotropes, and strong antibiotics to combat sepsis.
Managing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in conjunction with systemic infection required close collaboration between neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and critical care specialists.
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Once the infection was brought under control, the medical team faced another major challenge—supporting weight gain. Due to intestinal resection caused by Necrotizing Enterocolitis, the baby developed short gut syndrome, leading to difficulties in nutrient absorption. This was managed through specialized formula feeding and Total Parenteral Nutrition.
After the baby gained sufficient weight and strength, doctors proceeded with a planned second surgery. This involved another exploratory laparotomy to reassess the abdominal cavity and address scar tissue.
The final step included an ileo-colic anastomosis, reconnecting healthy portions of the intestine to restore bowel function compromised by Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
Following the second surgery, the infant showed steady improvement and continued recovery under close medical supervision. Today, the child is one year old, achieving normal developmental milestones and growing well, demonstrating a strong recovery after battling Necrotizing Enterocolitis and associated complications.
The combination of a two-stage surgical approach and prolonged NICU care played a crucial role in overcoming the life-threatening effects of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi, Director of Neonatology & Pediatrics at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Nagar Road, said, “This case was particularly challenging due to the combination of severe NEC, sepsis, and fungal infection, in premature neonate. However, with the right multidisciplinary approach, timely intervention, and continuous NICU care, we were able to stabilize the baby and perform the necessary surgeries that ultimately restored the child’s health. This case is a reminder of the crucial importance of specialized neonatal care and advanced medical facilities, which are key to saving lives and improving long-term outcomes for high-risk neonates.”
Dr. Preeti Lad, Senior Consultant – Pediatrics and Neonatology at Sahyadri Hospitals, MomStory Nagar Road, added, “This case is a reminder of the crucial importance of specialized neonatal care and advanced medical facilities, which are key to saving lives and improving long-term outcomes for high-risk neonates.
This case is significant not only because it involved a preterm neonate with complex condition and infection but also because it demonstrates the importance of timely diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, and expert care in neonatal facilities.”
This case underscores how early diagnosis, prompt surgical management, and coordinated NICU care can significantly improve survival outcomes in infants affected by Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
