Amman, Oct. 29 (Petra) -- A specialized medical team at Al-Bashir Hospitals has successfully performed a complex surgical operation to treat a rare congenital esophageal defect in a premature infant, marking a major milestone in Jordan’s pediatric surgical care.

The procedure, carried out at the Pediatric Surgery Department and Surgical Neonatal Unit of the Hospital of Surgery and Specialized Operations, involved the treatment of esophageal atresia without a tracheoesophageal fistula (Type I), a condition rarely seen in newborns.

According to Dr. Ali Al-Shoubaki, Consultant of Pediatric Surgery and the lead surgeon, the infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit shortly after birth. "The first operation was performed just hours after delivery to establish gastric feeding," Dr. Al-Shoubaki said. "This was followed by three separate procedures to lengthen the esophagus before the final reconstructive surgery, during which the upper and lower portions were successfully reconnected." He noted that the multidisciplinary team included Dr. Tasneem Jaabo, Pediatric Surgery Specialist; Dr. Khaled Shaaban, Neonatology Consultant; and Dr. Nasser Al-Aqrabawi, Pediatric Specialist and Fellow in Neonatal Intensive Care. After nearly 100 days of intensive monitoring and specialized care, the infant was discharged in good health, marking what Dr. Al-Shoubaki described as "a remarkable success for Jordanian pediatric medicine." The team praised the dedication and professionalism of the nursing staff in the surgical neonatal unit, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring the infant’s recovery through meticulous follow-up and compassionate care.

Dr. Ali Al-Abdallat, Director General of Al-Bashir Hospitals, said the operation reflects the hospital’s commitment to continuous medical advancement and excellence in specialized care. "This success is the result of our ongoing investment in medical education, professional training, and the Ministry of Health’s support in enhancing the public healthcare system," he noted.

Dr. Al-Abdallat emphasized that such achievements reaffirm Al-Bashir Hospitals’ status as a national and regional leader in medical training and advanced surgery, equipped with highly qualified teams and cutting-edge expertise across diverse specialties.

He added that the operation underscores the hospitals’ growing capability to handle complex and high-risk pediatric cases, cementing their position as a center of excellence in neonatal and pediatric surgery.

//Petra// RZ