“Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Tumor Removal Surgery

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Udaipur, An infant born in the 28th week of gestation weighing only 1.4 kgs with a massive sacrococcygeal teratoma tumor was operated by the pediatric surgeon of Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital Dr. Atul Mishra, Anesthetist Dr. Alka, OT Staff & team members. The infant survived fighting all odds to be the first case in Medical History of the world. Journal of Pediatric Surgery published in November 1995 reported a similar case where the infant with the same tumor weighed 1.5 kgs making it the first successful removal of the tumor in a neonate weighing 1.4 kgs only.

The infant’s mother was on treatment for pregnancy in a nearby hospital of the district. Due to high blood pressure because of pregnancy-induced which could not be controlled, she was referred to Geetanjali Hospital’s Gynecologist Dr. Arun Gupta. On consultation & investigations of Ultra Sound Sonography, it was found to have a decreased blood flow in placenta of the lady and Oligohydramnios and IUGR (Intra-Uterine Growth Retardation) of the baby. These results posed a serious risk to both the mother & child. Hence, the child was delivered by an elective cesarean section. After delivery, the baby was found to have a large tumor near the anus, mostly called sacrococcygeal teratoma tumor, along with the low birth weight of mere 1.4 kgs & a preterm neonate. Since this tumor needs to be removed by surgery, so all necessary investigations including Echocardiography to confirm any deformities in the child were performed. On stabilizing the child, surgery was performed which lasted two hours which assured no internal bleeding. This tumor requires immediate surgery as the tumor could turn into cancer. The tiny toddler is recovering well and will grow like normal babies.

“According to our information till date this is the smallest baby operated for this tumor after birth”, said Dr. Mishra the pediatric surgeon. Fetal Surgery (surgery before birth) is also being done in even smaller babies at very few selected centres in the world, but after delivery, this is the smallest baby operated for this rare tumor, quoted Dr. Mishra. Out of every thirty five-forty thousand babies only 1 have a complex & rare tumor like this.


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