Agartala, Feb 13: A 17-day-old infant with a rare spinal tumor underwent successful surgery at Tripura Medical College (TMC) in Hapania. 

The complex procedure was led by Dr. Aniruddha Basak and his pediatric surgery team.

Interacting with the media, Dr. Basak informed that the baby, initially treated at GB Pant Hospital, was referred to TMC at 15 days old due to a sacrococcygeal teratoma—a tumor at the base of the spine. 

With risks to the spinal cord and anal function, doctors opted for immediate surgery. The two-hour operation successfully removed the 100-gram tumor.

Despite a low birth weight of 1.7 kg, the infant is now stable, feeding well and passing stool without issues, he added. Dr. Basak termed the surgery a significant achievement for the hospital.