KIMS Cuddles doctors treat 28-day-old infant with airway narrowing

Doctors at KIMS Cuddles in Kondapur, Hyderabad, have successfully treated a 28-day-old infant suffering from severe respiratory distress caused by Grade 2 subglottic stenosis. The condition, which involves a narrowing of the airway just below the vocal cords, had left the infant unable to breathe normally since birth, requiring seven days of ventilator support and treatment for pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac issues.

During an emergency attempt to secure the infant's airway, medical staff found that only a 2.5-size breathing tube could be passed, whereas a 3 or 3.5-size tube is standard for an infant of that age. To avoid the need for a tracheostomy, the medical team, including ENT Surgeon Dr Priyanka Valluri and Neonatology expert Dr Aparna, performed endoscopic balloon dilatation. Using a specialized 6-mm balloon, the team successfully dilated the stenotic segment through three controlled procedures, restoring adequate airflow to the infant.