Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU, Chennai) successfully performs keyhole surgery for kidney blockage in a Bangladeshi infant

Bengaluru, July 3, 2023: Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), a leading kidney care specialist in India & Chennai ’s largest nephrology and urology healthcare specialty center today announced a successful keyhole surgery performed on a 3-month-old Bangladeshi infant, having a serious blockage in the right kidney. In June month, the baby was diagnosed by a specialized paediatric team of doctors at AINU with ‘severe hydronephrosis’ - a condition characterized by kidney swelling due to urine stagnation. The baby warranted a crucial keyhole surgery known as Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for complete recovery. 

Hydronephrosis is a common issue detected during pregnancy scanning, often presenting as a mild condition called ‘transient hydronephrosis’. In some cases, it can lead to a serious blockage and pose a threat to the overall kidney function. In the case of the infant, the parents were already aware of the foetal right kidney swelling even before birth. It was only after the baby was born and further tests were conducted in Bangladesh, they realized the severity of the condition. The kidney was found in an abnormal site, situated lower than the normal position near the bladder and the entire anatomy of the kidney was twisted on its axis. The urine stagnation had already led to a 50% reduction in kidney function.

The team of AINU specialists, spearheaded by Dr. Ramesh Babu, Paediatric Urologist evaluated the infant's condition, along with the position of the kidney and the level of blockage was determined through a diagnostic procedure called Retrograde Pyelography (RGP). Subsequently, a successful keyhole surgery - laparoscopic pyeloplasty, was performed using 3mm instruments to clear the blockage.  The baby recovered fully within two days and got discharged on the third. 

Dr. Ramesh Babu, Paediatric Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Chennai stated, "Opting for a minimally invasive surgery on an infant and managing a pelvic ureteric junction obstruction in a pelvic malrotated kidney is a significant challenge. Although robotic surgery is also available at AINU, we opted for the laparoscopic approach due to the infant's tiny abdomen size. In cases where both kidneys are swollen, indicating a serious valve blockage below the bladder, immediate endoscopic treatment is crucial right after birth. A condition called reflux, where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, may necessitate laparoscopic or robotic reimplantation. Milder types of reflux can be cured by an endoscopic injection treatment”

"I congratulate the team for performing such a remarkable surgery and helping the baby return home in just 3 days’ time" stated Dr. Venkat Subramanian, Executive Director, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Chennai. "Considering the baby's weight and the need for utmost precision in the procedure, it is truly an impressive feat. At AINU, our team of experts, equipped with advanced robotic technology and a range of renal health procedures, has consistently achieved significant progress and milestones through groundbreaking surgeries for patients from both within and outside the country. We extend our heartfelt wishes to the baby's parents, hoping for their son's continued good health and bright future."

AINU is recognized for its expertise in urology and nephrology, providing cutting-edge treatments and surgical procedures for various kidney and urological conditions. The successful outcome of this key-hole surgery highlights the institute's commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients, even in challenging cases involving infants.
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