Agartala, September 28: Doctors at Tripura Medical College and Dr BRAM Teaching Hospital have successfully treated an 18-day-old boy suffering from intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which twisting of the intestine can obstruct the bowel and cut off its blood supply.
The infant, Ahadul Islam, was born on August 27 at Makunda Hospital in Dharmanagar to Rubina Begum, 25, and Bilal Mia, 31. He was initially discharged after birth, but the family noticed jaundice within a week and sought further medical attention.
While undergoing treatment at Agartala Government Medical College, the baby developed repeated episodes of bilious vomiting, raising concerns of intestinal obstruction. Suspecting a surgical emergency, doctors referred him to Tripura Medical College on September 12.
At the hospital’s Special Newborn Care Unit, the case was managed by a team led by paediatric and neonatal surgeon Dr Aniruddha Basak. Diagnostic tests confirmed intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus.
In the condition, the intestine fails to develop in its normal position and can twist around itself, potentially restricting blood flow and causing tissue damage. Doctors said early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are crucial in such cases.
An emergency operation was performed on September 14, when Ahadul was just 18 days old. The surgery lasted more than two hours, during which doctors untwisted the affected intestine and corrected its abnormal position.
The infant’s postoperative recovery was complicated by sepsis, requiring close monitoring, antibiotic treatment and specialised neonatal care.
The family, facing financial constraints, left the hospital against medical advice after nine days. They returned for a follow-up examination on September 25, when doctors found the baby recovering well.
The medical team said the child was clinically stable and had shown significant improvement following surgery and subsequent treatment.
Doctors stressed that green or bile-stained vomiting in newborns should never be dismissed as a routine feeding issue. Such symptoms can indicate intestinal obstruction and require immediate medical evaluation.
They said early recognition of warning signs, timely referral, rapid diagnosis and access to specialised neonatal surgery were crucial in managing Ahadul’s condition.
Doctors advised parents and caregivers to seek urgent medical attention if a newborn develops persistent or green-coloured vomiting, as prompt intervention can be critical in such emergencies.
