50-Day-Old Baby Undergoes Successful Laparoscopic Kidney Surgery
Diagnosed in the Womb. Treated at the Right Time. A Life-Saving Journey.
When a mother went for her routine 18-week pregnancy scan, she expected joy.
But what she heard instead was a diagnosis:
“Your baby’s right kidney appears swollen — it may be hydronephrosis.”
This was the first sign of a rare but serious condition called Pelvi-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (PUJO) — a blockage in the kidney’s drainage system.
But thanks to timely follow-ups and expert guidance, this baby’s journey became a story of hope, healing, and precise medical timing.
Diagnosed Before Birth. Treated at the Right Moment – 50 Days After Delivery
Why not immediately after birth?
Why wait 50 days?
That’s a question many parents ask — and here’s the clear answer:
In infants, laparoscopic surgery must be timed carefully.
Too early = higher surgical risk.
Too late = higher risk of kidney damage.
Between birth and the 6th week, this child was monitored closely through:
Ultrasound scans
Kidney function tests
Clinical follow-ups
By the 7th week, doctors saw a clear sign
The right kidney’s function was rapidly declining.
At this point, surgery was not optional — it was necessary.
And the baby was now strong enough to undergo laparoscopic pyeloplasty safely.
Thus, Day 50 became the ideal window — a planned, well-timed intervention that saved the kidney from irreversible damage.
What Is PUJO and Why Timing Matters?
Pelvi-Ureteric Junction Obstruction (PUJO) is a narrowing where urine exits the kidney. If blocked, urine collects, causing
Swelling of the kidney (hydronephrosis)
Pressure on kidney tissue
Loss of function over time
In babies
If diagnosed during pregnancy, it’s monitored closely after birth.
If the kidney starts losing function, surgery is the only way to preserve it.
But the surgery must be done when the baby is:
Big enough to handle the procedure
Before significant loss of kidney tissue happens
This is why 50 days was perfect.
The child was medically ready — and intervention was urgently needed.
Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in a 50-Day-Old: A Rare & Delicate Procedure
Performed by Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, a senior Pediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, the surgery was:
✅ Port-less and minimally invasive
✅ Done using tiny instruments with high precision
✅ Completed in under 90 minutes
✅ Baby was discharged, smiling and feeding well, on Day 3 post-op
A Parent’s Courage + Expert Timing = A Healthy Future
Let’s not forget the parents.
They:
Took the initial diagnosis seriously
Stayed consistent with follow-ups
Understood the urgency when function started dropping
Trusted the pediatric urology team when told “Now is the time”
This is a success story not just of surgery — but of timing.
From detection at 18 weeks of pregnancy
To a 50-day-old life-saving laparoscopic surgery
To a fully recovering, playful baby just days later
Frequently Asked Questions (For Curious Parents)
Can kidney issues really be found during pregnancy?
Yes. Hydronephrosis is now one of the most commonly detected prenatal findings on a 20-week anatomy scan.
If my baby is born with PUJO, will they need surgery?
Not always. Many mild cases resolve. But if function worsens, surgery is needed — usually within 2–3 months of birth, based on the child’s readiness and urgency.
Why was surgery done on the 50th day in this case?
Because:
The kidney function was declining rapidly
The baby had grown enough to safely tolerate anesthesia and surgery
Any further delay would have risked permanent kidney damage
Is laparoscopic surgery safe for newborns?
Yes — in experienced hands.
Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran performs minimally invasive pediatric urology surgeries with almost no visible scars and fast recovery times.
About Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran
Exclusive Pediatric Urologist – Hyderabad Consultant Pediatric Urologist & Robotic Surgeon
Available at:
Apollo Jubilee Hills, Citizens Hospital
Little Stars & She Hospital, Lotus Hospitals
Mail: pediatricurologistofhyderabad@gmail.com
Phone : +91 85005 50328
✨ Final Word
This story reminds us: Awareness saves kidneys. Timely action saves lives.
If your pregnancy scan shows a possible kidney issue — don’t panic, don’t delay.
Follow up. Get expert advice. Monitor function.
And when the time comes — act with courage.
Because like this beautiful 50-day-old baby,
