MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar Saves One-Year-Old Child of Congenital Lung Defect by VATS Procedure
Chennai, March 17, 2026: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, has successfully performed a complex Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) on a one-year-old girl, marking a significant milestone in paediatric surgical care in the city. The minimally invasive procedure was carried out to remove a congenitally developed, non-functional portion of the lung—the lower lobe of the left lung—which posed risks of severe respiratory complications, recurrent infections, bleeding, and potential impact on heart function.
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| L- R: Dr. Kalpana Thai, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant - Paediatric Surgery, Patient's Father , Dr. Prabhakaran G, Senior Consultant, Dr. Vidhya Mohanram, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia, Dr.Arun Kumar S, Lead Consultant - Neonatology , Dr. N.K.V. Vigneshwar, Associate Consultant - Neonatology, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar |
The condition, known as bronchopulmonary sequestration, is a rare congenital malformation of the airway and lung, accounting for only about 2% of congenital lung anomalies. Diagnosed during fetal development, the case was closely monitored until the child turned one, enabling doctors to plan the surgery at an optimal time. The successful use of VATS for this condition is considered a first-of-its-kind achievement in Chennai.
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The surgery, which lasted approximately three and a half hours, was led by Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam, Senior Consultant – Paediatric Surgery, along with a multidisciplinary team including Dr. Mohan Raj, Consultant - Paediatric Surgery; Dr. Prabhakaran G, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics; Dr.Arun Kumar S, Lead Consultant - Neonatology, Dr. N.K.V. Vigneshwar, Associate Consultant – Neonatology, Dr. Vidhya Mohanram, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia; and the multidisciplinary ICU team. The team carefully removed the affected lung segment and ligated the abnormal blood supply from the aorta.
Dr. Mohan Raj, Consultant - Paediatric Surgery; Dr. Prabhakaran G, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics; Dr.Arun Kumar S, Lead Consultant - Neonatology, Dr. N.K.V. Vigneshwar, Associate Consultant – Neonatology, Dr. Vidhya Mohanram, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesia; and the multidisciplinary ICU team.
Dr. Karpaga Vinayagam noted that the case was particularly challenging due to the location of the sequestration and its direct blood supply from the aorta. He emphasised that performing the procedure thoracoscopically in such a young child required precision, given the limited space in the chest cavity. However, the minimally invasive approach offered clear benefits, including reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to conventional open surgery.
The child showed remarkable recovery, requiring only brief ICU monitoring before being shifted to the ward and discharged within three days. Doctors highlighted that paediatric lungs continue to grow until around nine years of age, allowing the remaining lung tissue to compensate effectively. The child is expected to lead a normal and healthy life.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Venugopal Bhat, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President – Group Strategic Initiatives, MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, said the success reflects the hospital’s commitment to advanced paediatric care and its focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques that ensure better outcomes and quicker recovery for patients.
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