Neonatal Surgery

Dr. Akshay Baheti provides advanced neonatal surgery services for newborn babies with congenital and acquired surgical conditions. Neonatal surgery involves specialised procedures performed during the first few weeks of life to treat conditions affecting the digestive system, lungs, abdomen, and other vital organs. With a compassionate and child-focused approach, every newborn receives expert care in a safe and supportive environment.

Common neonatal surgical conditions treated include congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal obstruction, anorectal malformations, tracheoesophageal fistula, abdominal wall defects, and neonatal tumors. Dr. Baheti ensures precise diagnosis, timely intervention, and comprehensive post-operative care to support healthy recovery and improved outcomes for newborns.

Why Neonatal Surgery Requires Specialised Expertise

Newborns—particularly those born prematurely or with low birth weight—have unique physiological needs that differ significantly from older children and adults. Their organs are still maturing, their tolerance for anaesthesia and blood loss is limited, and even small surgical or post-operative complications can have a greater impact. Neonatal surgery therefore demands specialised training, meticulous technique, and close coordination with neonatal intensive care (NICU) teams at every stage of treatment.

Conditions Treated

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
• Tracheoesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia
• Intestinal obstruction (atresia, malrotation, volvulus)
• Anorectal malformations
• Abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis, omphalocele)
• Necrotising enterocolitis
• Neonatal tumours and cystic masses
• Hirschsprung's disease presenting in the newborn period
• Congenital lung and airway anomalies

The Neonatal Surgical Journey

• Antenatal counselling: Many conditions are detected on prenatal ultrasound, allowing families to prepare in advance
• Immediate newborn assessment: Rapid evaluation at birth for conditions requiring urgent attention
• Coordinated NICU care: Close collaboration with neonatologists and paediatric anaesthetists before and after surgery
• Precise, gentle surgical technique: Tailored to the newborn's size, weight, and organ maturity
• Structured post-operative monitoring: Careful tracking of feeding, growth, and recovery milestones
• Long-term follow-up: Ongoing review to support healthy development after surgery

Supporting Families Through a Difficult Time

Having a newborn who requires surgery is an emotionally difficult experience, often compounded by the stress of a NICU stay. Dr. Baheti places great importance on keeping parents closely involved and informed—explaining the condition, the surgical plan, and realistic expectations for recovery in a calm, empathetic manner. His goal is to guide families through this critical period with both clinical excellence and genuine reassurance.

What to Expect During Consultation

Whether a condition is identified antenatally or shortly after birth, Dr. Baheti conducts a thorough assessment using clinical examination and targeted imaging to confirm the diagnosis. He discusses the urgency of intervention, the surgical approach, and the expected NICU and recovery course, ensuring parents feel supported and well-informed at every step.