Agartala: A rare case of Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT), a type of tumor that develop at the base of the spine by the tailbone (coccyx), was successfully treated in Tripura, as doctors at Tripura Medical College in Hapania, performed a complex surgery on a 17-day-old infant. The tumour, which was nearly 6% of the baby’s total body weight, was removed in a high-risk procedure lasting two hours.
The baby was born at Teliamura Sub-divisional Hospital and later shifted to GB Pant Hospital for advanced medical care. At the age of 15 days, the infant was referred to Tripura Medical College for specialized treatment.
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While addressing the media, Dr. Aniruddha Basak, a superspecialist pediatric and neonatal surgeon who led the medical team, explained the complexity of the case. “The baby had a large congenital tumour near the anal region, diagnosed as Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT). Given the infant’s low birth weight of just 1.7 kg, performing surgery was extremely challenging,” he said.
Within two days of admission, doctors decided to proceed with the surgery. The tumour itself weighed 100 grams, a significant proportion compared to the baby’s fragile body. “Usually, newborns weigh around 2.5 kg or more, but this baby was already underweight. The tumour was obstructing normal bodily functions, and early intervention was crucial,” Dr. Basak added.
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The operation lasted nearly two hours, requiring precision and teamwork. “Surgery on a newborn is always delicate, but in this case, we had to be extra cautious due to the baby’s size and condition. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure the baby’s safety,” Dr. Basak said.
Following the surgery, the infant’s weight was reduced to 1.6 kg, but doctors are optimistic about the recovery. “The baby is stable and under constant monitoring. If no complications arise, we expect a smooth recovery,” he confirmed.
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