Keyhole surgery is gentle on infants

Newborn Stella underwent a successful operation

SURGERY is a tricky practice, and surgery on infants is especially risky, given how small and delicate their bodies are.

Thankfully, keyhole surgeries, which are less invasive and leave less of a mark, are becoming increasingly viable.

Newborn Stella Warren had suffered a congenital defect in her diaphragm which would have made it extremely difficult for her to breathe. She underwent a keyhole surgery to repair the hernia at Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital on October 12, and now only has a few small marks to show for it.

Stella’s mother Dede Warren said: “I am immensely grateful that my precious Stella, who is now growing and growing, had the option of this minimally invasive procedure, rather than regular open surgery.”

The operation was performed by paediatric surgeon, Professor Daniel Sidler, assisted by Dr Corne de Vos. Dr Ricky Dippenaar, who was responsible for taking care of Stella in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, said: “Professor Sidler and his team did a superb job to repair the defect, and we are delighted with the outcome.

“Stella had a follow-up examination late last week and it was evident that she had quickly recovered from the procedure and is developing strongly.”

Dippenaar said a keyhole surgery has many advantages over traditional open surgery for a baby like Stella. However, it requires a considerable amount of skill, which is why Sidler was brought in.

Thankfully, the hernia had been identified while Warren was still pregnant, so the surgeons were able to operate on Stella almost immediately after she was born.

“As we knew about the problem prior to Stella’s birth, the team at the hospital were able to plan ahead,” said Dippenaar.

Warren is grateful to the doctors who helped save her daughter’s life.

“My family and I are most appreciative to Dr Dippenaar, Professor Sidler and the nurses at the hospital for the outstanding care they provided to Stella and myself. We are also thankful that this option was available to our baby,” she said.

Newborn Stella Warren recently received a keyhole surgery, which is less invasive and leaves less scarring than traditional open surgery, to have her diaphragm repaired.