Rare Gastroschisis Case Successfully Treated at Tripura Medical College

Agartala: Congenital anomalies in newborns are a significant concern in pediatric healthcare, with some conditions requiring urgent and specialized treatment. “Gastroschisis”, a rare condition where a baby’s intestines develop outside the body, is one such anomaly. In Tripura, a recent case at Tripura Medical College (TMC) in Hapania has drawn attention to the challenges and triumphs of treating such conditions.

Ukhrul Times reports on how Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Aniruddha Basak and his team successfully managed this complex case, shedding light on the importance of early referral and advanced surgical care.

On January 29, 2025, a resident of the Chittapara area in Gondacherra Sub-division named Rima Chakma gave birth to a baby boy at Gandacherra Sub-divisional Hospital in Dhalai District. The delivery was normal, but the baby was born with a rare congenital condition called “Gastroschisis”, where the intestines were outside the abdomen due to a defect in the abdominal muscles. This condition, occurring in about 1 in 10,000 live births, requires immediate surgical intervention.

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After birth, the baby was transferred to Dhalai District Hospital in Kulai where the medical team failed to provide the necessary care and referred the case to Tripura Medical College and Hospital. The baby was admitted to TMC at 11 PM on the same day where Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Basak examined the baby and determined that immediate surgery was critical to save the child’s life.

Meanwhile, on February 1, 2025, when the baby was just 2 days old, Dr. Basak performed a 2-hour long surgery to correct the condition. The procedure, known as the SILO technique, involved using an indigenously made BOGOTA bag, which Dr. Basak prepared using a UROBAG. The surgery was successful, and the baby was kept under observation and treatment for about a month. Today, the baby is healthy, breastfeeding, and passing urine and stool normally. The child is expected to be discharged soon.

While speaking exclusively with Ukhrul Times, Dr. Aniruddha Basak shared insights into the rarity and challenges of treating “Gastroschisis”. He stated, “The incidence of Gastroschisis is increasing globally and currently it occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 live births. While it remains a rare condition, the rising numbers are a cause for concern and require heightened awareness among healthcare providers.”

Regarding the success rate of such surgeries, Dr. Basak explained, ‘The success rate for Gastroschisis surgeries is relatively low, primarily due to delays in referring such cases to tertiary care centres equipped with pediatric surgery facilities.”

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“Additionally, improper transportation of newborns often leads to complications like hypothermia and sepsis, which further reduce the chances of survival. Performing surgery on a 1- or 2-day-old baby is inherently risky, as their liver and kidney functions are still immature. However, early surgical intervention is crucial to save the baby’s life,” he added.

Dr. Basak also elaborated on the surgical techniques and equipment used in this case. He said, “For this procedure, I used an indigenously made BOGOTA bag, which is not readily available at TMC. I prepared it using a UROBAG, adapting it for this specific purpose,” he said.

He further mentioned, “The technique I employed is called the SILO procedure, which allows for gradual reduction of the exposed intestines back into the abdominal cavity. This method is particularly effective in managing such complex cases.”

When asked about his advice to doctors who may encounter such rare conditions in the future, especially in Tripura where advanced medical equipment is limited, Dr. Basak emphasized, “The key to managing Gastroschisis effectively is early referral. I urge all doctors to refer such cases to Tripura Medical College, as soon as possible. The earlier the baby reaches us, the better the prognosis. Timely intervention can significantly save lives and ensure better outcomes for these vulnerable patients.”

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This case highlights the importance of timely referral, specialized medical care, and the dedication of healthcare professionals in treating rare and critical conditions. The successful treatment of Gastroschisis at Tripura Medical College demonstrates the expertise of Dr. Aniruddha Basak and the capabilities of TMC in managing complex pediatric cases. It also emphasizes the need for increased awareness, better referral systems, and enhanced resources to address such challenges effectively in the future.