In an extraordinary demonstration of medical skill and resilience during wartime, doctors at Laniado Hospital in Netanya successfully performed emergency surgery on a newborn baby inside the hospital’s recently fortified Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), even as missile alerts sounded across the region.

The procedure was carried out on a two-day-old baby girl diagnosed shortly after birth with Oesophageal Atresia (EA), a rare congenital condition in which the oesophagus fails to properly connect the throat to the stomach. In many cases the defect is accompanied by an abnormal connection between the oesophagus and the trachea, creating a life-threatening risk of severe breathing and feeding complications. Without urgent surgical intervention, the condition can quickly become critical.

Given the baby’s fragile condition and the ongoing missile threat from Iran, the medical team made the decision to perform the operation within the hospital’s fully protected Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a recently fortified facility designed to allow critical medical treatment to continue safely during periods of conflict.

The highly specialised procedure was performed by a senior surgical team from Schneider Children’s Medical Center, led by Dr. Anastasia Almog, whose department maintains a close strategic partnership with Laniado Hospital.

They were joined by senior specialists from Laniado including Dr. Aryeh Simmonds, Director of the NICU; Dr. Yulia Frod, Head of Anaesthesia; and Dr. Mordechai Pollak, Director of the Paediatric Pulmonology Clinic. The operation was supported by an experienced nursing team led by NICU Head Nurse, Ms. Eti Litig.

Despite Home Front Command missile alerts sounding during the procedure, the surgical team continued their work inside the fortified NICU without interruption, ensuring the baby received the life-saving care she urgently required.

Prof. Zvi Shimoni, Medical Director of Laniado Hospital, praised the collaboration between the teams:

"The partnership between Laniado and Schneider’s surgical department allows us to perform complex and rare procedures with leading specialists. This was an exceptional intervention carried out under extremely challenging circumstances, and we are proud of the professionalism shown by all involved."

Mr. Nadav Chen, CEO of Laniado Hospital, highlighted the critical importance of the hospital’s protected facilities:

"Our investment in constructing fortified neonatal and maternity facilities allows us to continue providing the highest level of care even during missile attacks. The ability to perform complex surgical procedures safely, without relocating critically ill newborns, is vital. Thanks to the dedication of our teams and the strength of our partnerships, we continue to save lives even in times of war."

The successful operation stands as a powerful reminder that even under the threat of missile attacks, Laniado Hospital’s doctors and nurses remain committed to providing lifesaving care — ensuring that the most vulnerable patients receive the treatment they need, when they need it most.