9-month-old Bangladeshi Infant with Rare Neurological Condition Successfully Treated at Fortis Anandapur
9-month-old Bangladeshi Infant with Rare Neurological Condition Successfully Treated at Fortis Anandapur
~The child was diagnosed with Craniosynostosis - a rare condition which occurs in 1 out of 2000 births and restricts the development of the brain~
Kolkata, December 2024: Fortis Hospital Anandapur successfully treated a nine-month-old infant, Ridwan Habib Ilham, from Bangladesh suffering from rare condition craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis is a rare condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely, restricting brain growth and leading to an abnormal head shape. A team of doctors, led by Dr. G R Vijay Kumar, Director, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur performed the surgery, to reconstruct the infant's skull, which lasted approximately 4 to 4.5 hours and the patient was discharged within 6 days post the surgery.
As the infant grew, his parents noticed an unusual enlargement of his skull. Without any delay, they sought medical intervention in Bangladesh, where he was diagnosed with craniosynostosis. Doctors recommended an immediate surgery. Seeking advanced medical expertise, the family travelled to India to seek a second opinion. Upon examining the infant’s noticeably deformed shape of the head, Dr. Vijay Kumar confirmed the diagnosis through X-rays and a CT scan and recommended corrective surgery.
Dr. G R Vijay Kumar, Director, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur explained, “A newborn’s skull consists of small, soft segments connected by membranous sutures, which allow the skull to expand and accommodate brain growth during the first two years of life. In craniosynostosis, one or more segments fuse prematurely, restricting normal skull and brain development and resulting in an abnormal head shape. If left untreated, it can lead to complications beyond cosmetic concerns, including restricted brain growth/underdeveloped brain, learning disabilities, motor skill challenges, visual disturbances or even vision loss.”
“In this case, the coronal suture (the joint where the frontal bone connects to the parietal bones) fused prematurely, significantly impacting the child's skull and facial structure. To address this, the affected areas of the skull were exposed, the deformed sections were carefully removed, reshaped, and then re-attached, allowing the skull to grow normally as the child grows. Additionally, an orbitofrontal advancement was performed, where the entire roof of the eye sockets and nose was detached and repositioned forward to ensure proper alignment.” he further explained.
The Pediatric team, led by Dr. Sumita Saha, Consultant, Pediatrics, at Fortis Hospital Anandapur, played a crucial role in the infant’s pre-operative and post-operative care. They prioritized the infant’s safety by meticulously assessing potential risk factors, including cardiac and congenital issues, prior to the surgery, which lasted 4-5 hours. During the procedure and throughout recovery in the ICU, the team focused on pain management, infection prevention, and ensuring postoperative stability. Given the complexity of the operation, which included risks of infections, pain, feeding difficulties, and fluid imbalance, the team carefully monitored the infant’s condition to support a smooth and stable recovery.
Post surgery, the baby has shown no significant complications apart from mild fever for a couple of days. In infants, the most common complication in such surgeries is blood loss, which may require a blood transfusion due to the risk factors associated with the procedure. Other potential complications can include infection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and seizures.
Expressing gratitude, the patient's father, Mr. Ahsan Habib Rubel, said, "We are deeply grateful to Dr. Vijay Kumar and the entire team at Fortis Anandapur, for their exceptional care and expertise. From the initial diagnosis to the successful surgery and post-operative check-ups, their dedication has been unwavering. The immediate and correct medical treatment by Dr. Vijay Kumar improved our child’s condition steadily. We are now relieved and happy to see our child healthy and thriving. Fortis Anandapur’s reputation for outstanding service is well-deserved, and we couldn't be more satisfied with the care we received."
Commenting on the success of the surgery, Mr. Ashish Mukerjee, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Anandapur, said, "The successful clinical outcome reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire medical team. Their seamless coordination represents the highest standard of patient care, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment to making a difference in our patients' lives.”