AIIMS Delhi Performs Rare Lung-Preserving Surgery On 4-Month-Old Infant

NEW DELHI, July 15: Doctors at AIIMS Delhi have successfully performed a rare and highly complex lung-preserving surgery on a four-month-old infant diagnosed with a congenital lung malformation affecting both lungs, marking a significant milestone in paediatric surgical care. The infant, who was diagnosed before birth with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), underwent a segment-level lung resection (segmentectomy) on the right lung and was discharged in stable condition just two days after the operation. A second surgery on the left lung is planned after a few months. According to AIIMS, the condition was particularly challenging as it involved both lungs, unlike the more common cases that affect only one. Instead of removing an entire lung lobe, surgeons opted for a lung-preserving procedure, excising only the diseased segments to maximise the child’s future lung capacity. The surgical team removed segments 9 and 10 of the lower lobe of the right lung—among the most technically difficult lung segments to access due to their deeply situated blood vessels and airways. Dr. Sandeep Agarwala, Head of the Department of Paediatric Surgery at AIIMS Delhi, described the operation as a significant technical achievement, noting that performing such a complex keyhole procedure on a four-month-old infant required exceptional precision and teamwork. The surgery was led by Professor Dr. Vishesh Jain of the Department of Paediatric Surgery, while the anaesthesia team, led by Dr. Abhishek, used the highly specialised technique of selective lung ventilation, allowing one lung to remain still during surgery. Doctors said the operation was completed without complications, and the infant recovered well before being discharged. AIIMS said the case demonstrates that lung-preserving surgery is a feasible option for selected infants with congenital lung malformations, offering the potential for better long-term lung function while avoiding the removal of an entire lung lobe.