Neonatal Surgery in Mumbai

The birth of a baby is one of life's happiest moments. However, for some families, this joy may be accompanied by unexpected challenges when a newborn is diagnosed with a congenital birth defect or a condition requiring immediate surgery. Hearing that a newborn needs an operation can be overwhelming, but it is important to know that many neonatal surgical conditions can be successfully treated with timely diagnosis, specialized surgical expertise, and advanced neonatal intensive care.
Globally, congenital anomalies affect approximately 3–6% of newborns, and many require surgical intervention during the first few days or weeks of life. In India, birth defects remain one of the leading causes of neonatal illness and mortality, making early recognition and prompt treatment essential. Advances in neonatal anaesthesia, minimally invasive surgery, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and paediatric surgical techniques have significantly improved survival rates and long-term outcomes for these babies.
If you are looking for an experienced Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, Consultant General, Laparoscopic and Pediatric Surgeon, provides comprehensive surgical care for newborns with congenital and acquired surgical conditions at Dhanvantari Hospital. With specialized training in neonatal and paediatric surgery, he offers expert management using modern surgical techniques while working closely with neonatologists and paediatric specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes.
What Is Neonatal Surgery?
Neonatal surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on newborn babies during the first 28 days of life.
Many parents ask,
"Why would a newborn need surgery so soon after birth?"
Some babies are born with congenital abnormalities that prevent normal breathing, feeding, digestion, or urination. Others may develop emergency surgical conditions shortly after birth. Early surgery helps correct these problems and improves the baby's chances of healthy growth and development.
Neonatal surgery requires specialized expertise because newborns have unique anatomical and physiological needs that differ significantly from older children and adults.
Which Conditions Require Neonatal Surgery?
A Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon manages a wide range of congenital and emergency conditions affecting newborns.
Common conditions include:
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF)
A birth defect where the food pipe does not develop normally, making feeding impossible and increasing the risk of aspiration.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
A condition in which abdominal organs move into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, affecting lung development and breathing.
Intestinal Atresia
Parts of the intestine are absent or blocked, preventing normal digestion.
Malrotation and Midgut Volvulus
Abnormal rotation of the intestines that may cut off blood supply and require emergency surgery.
Imperforate Anus (Anorectal Malformation)
A congenital condition where the anal opening is absent or improperly formed.
Hirschsprung Disease
A condition in which nerve cells are absent in part of the intestine, causing severe constipation and bowel obstruction.
Abdominal Wall Defects
Such as:
- Gastroschisis
- Omphalocele
where abdominal organs develop outside the baby's abdomen.
Congenital Lung Lesions
Certain lung abnormalities detected before or after birth may require surgical treatment.
Neonatal Ovarian Cysts
Large ovarian cysts in newborn girls occasionally require surgery.
What Symptoms May Indicate a Surgical Problem in a Newborn?
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a newborn has:
- Difficulty feeding
- Repeated vomiting (especially green vomit)
- Severe abdominal swelling
- Failure to pass stool after birth
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Persistent choking during feeds
- Swelling or mass in the abdomen
- Absence of the anal opening
- Bluish discoloration or poor feeding
Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes.
How Are Neonatal Surgical Conditions Diagnosed?
Many congenital conditions are now detected even before birth.
Investigations may include:
Prenatal Ultrasound
Many birth defects can be identified during routine pregnancy scans.
Foetal MRI
Recommended in selected pregnancies to better evaluate complex abnormalities.
Physical Examination After Birth
A detailed newborn examination often identifies congenital abnormalities immediately after delivery.
X-rays
Useful for diagnosing intestinal obstruction and chest abnormalities.
Ultrasound
Helps evaluate abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder, and soft tissues.
CT Scan or MRI
Occasionally required for complex congenital conditions.
Blood Tests
Performed to assess the baby's overall health before surgery.
How Is Neonatal Surgery Performed?
Every newborn is carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team before surgery.
Depending on the condition, treatment may involve:
- Open neonatal surgery
- Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or thoracoscopic) surgery where appropriate
- Staged reconstructive procedures
- Emergency surgery for life-threatening conditions
Following surgery, babies are cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where they receive specialized monitoring, nutrition, pain management, and respiratory support until recovery.
Why Early Surgery Is Important
Many parents ask,
"Can surgery wait until my baby grows older?"
For many neonatal conditions, early surgery is essential because delaying treatment can lead to:
- Severe infection
- Bowel damage
- Breathing difficulties
- Poor nutrition
- Permanent organ damage
- Life-threatening complications
Timely surgical intervention significantly improves survival and long-term development.
Why Choose Dr. Bhavesh Doshi – Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon in Mumbai?
Choosing the right Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon is one of the most important decisions for families whose newborn requires surgery. Dr. Bhavesh Doshi is a highly experienced General, Laparoscopic and Pediatric Surgeon with extensive training in neonatal and paediatric surgery.
After completing his MBBS from K. J. Somaiya Medical College, he pursued M.S. General Surgery, gaining comprehensive exposure to multiple surgical specialties, including paediatric surgery, paediatric urology, oncology surgery, plastic surgery, and urosurgery. He further specialized in Paediatric Surgery at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, where he trained at a high-volume tertiary referral centre dedicated to paediatric surgical care. He later expanded his expertise at L.T.M.G. Medical College and Sion Hospital, managing complex neonatal surgeries, paediatric gastrointestinal disorders, paediatric urology, congenital abnormalities, and paediatric neurosurgical conditions.
At Dhanvantari Hospital, Dr. Bhavesh Doshi works closely with neonatologists, paediatricians, anaesthesiasts, and NICU specialists to provide comprehensive care for newborns with congenital and emergency surgical conditions. His approach focuses on early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, and compassionate support for families throughout their baby's treatment journey.
What is Lorem Ipsum?
What Our Patients Says
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since 1966
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon?
A Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon is a specialist trained to perform surgery on newborn babies with congenital abnormalities, birth defects, and emergency surgical conditions.
Is neonatal surgery safe?
Yes. With modern anaesthesia, advanced NICU facilities, and experienced paediatric surgical teams, neonatal surgery has become much safer, with excellent outcomes for many conditions.
Can congenital abnormalities be detected before birth?
Yes. Many congenital conditions can be diagnosed during routine prenatal ultrasound examinations, allowing treatment planning before delivery.
How long does a baby stay in the hospital after neonatal surgery?
The duration depends on the type of surgery and the baby's recovery. Some babies recover within a few days, while complex conditions may require longer NICU care.
Will my baby have a normal life after neonatal surgery?
Many babies go on to lead healthy, active lives after successful neonatal surgery, especially when treatment is performed early and appropriate follow-up care is maintained.
Neonatal surgery requires exceptional expertise, specialized infrastructure, and a multidisciplinary approach to give newborns the best possible start in life. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can successfully treat many congenital abnormalities and life-threatening neonatal conditions, allowing babies to grow and develop normally.
If your newborn has been diagnosed with a congenital surgical condition or requires emergency neonatal care, consult Dr. Bhavesh Doshi, an experienced Pediatric Neonatal Surgeon in Mumbai, at Dhanvantari Hospital. With advanced surgical training, expertise in neonatal and paediatric surgery, and a compassionate family-centred approach, he is committed to providing the highest standard of care for your baby's health and future.
Dr. Bhavesh Doshi
Best Pediatric Surgeon & Urologist in Borivali, Mumbai
Consultant - General, Laparoscopic & Pediatric Surgery
Dr. Bhavesh Doshi (M.S, M.Ch) is a fellowship-trained Pediatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon in Mumbai, specializing in minimally invasive surgery and pediatric urology.
Expert in laparoscopic & thoracoscopic procedures for safer, faster recovery in children. Known for compassionate, precise care in complex pediatric surgical conditions. Trusted across leading hospitals in Mumbai for advanced surgical outcomes.

