Baby from Varna Saved After Rare Congenital Esophageal Condition

Three hospitals and the newest “I Believe and Help” neonatal ambulance joined forces to overcome a rare congenital condition in a newborn.
A team effort spanning multiple institutions made it possible to successfully treat a baby diagnosed with a rare congenital esophageal anomaly – a condition that occurs in approximately 1 in every 50,000 to 80,000 births. The diagnosis was made immediately after birth at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital “Prof. Dr. Dimitar Stamatov” in Varna.
Specialists from the Pediatric Surgery Clinic, Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Clinic, and the Pediatric Operating Unit at University Emergency Hospital “N. I. Pirogov” in Sofia collaborated with pediatric surgeons and anesthesiologists from University Hospital “St. Marina” EAD – Varna to treat the patient.
The baby, just 20 days old and in stable condition, was safely transported from Varna to Sofia in the newest neonatal ambulance provided by the “I Believe and Help” Charitable Campaign – a vital addition for Bulgaria’s maritime capital, made possible by the support of thousands of people. The transfer was carefully pre-coordinated between the medical teams, and carried out by the team at “Prof. Dr. Dimitar Stamatov” – Varna.
“Together with our colleagues from ‘St. Marina’ – Varna, we confirmed the diagnosis and prepared a treatment plan. Several teams worked side by side in the operating room, and everything went according to protocol and our pre-established strategy,” said Prof. Dr. Hristo Shivachev, head of the joint surgical team.
After a short period of intensive care in the Pediatric Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Clinic at Pirogov, the baby was transferred to the Department of Neonatal Surgery and Congenital Anomalies for follow-up care. This ensured not only top-tier medical treatment but also allowed the Pediatric Surgery team to prioritize keeping families connected – a factor that supports both emotional well-being and faster healing.
By the end of last week, the baby’s condition had improved enough to allow discharge and continued recovery at home. A series of follow-up exams are scheduled, and doctors are optimistic about a full and healthy development.

“Together with our colleagues from Varna, we’re looking forward to receiving a photo from our little hero’s first birthday!” shared the Pediatric Surgery team at Pirogov with a smile.
This story was originally shared on the official Facebook page of “Pediatric Surgery – Pirogov.” For us at the “I Believe and Help” Charitable Campaign, it’s a joy and an honor to pass it on to you and your loved ones.
Thanks to your support, we have carried out more than 25 donations of medical equipment, ambulances, advanced devices, mobile units, and hundreds of medical supplies over the past 10 years. You can support our work through our official bank account – because what unites us all is the belief in doing good, and the desire to keep helping, together:
BANK: EUROBANK BULGARIA AD
IBAN: BG57BPBI79451069521301
BIC: BPBIBGSF
Account Holder: “I BELIEVE AND HELP” ASSOCIATION
Purpose of Payment: DONATION
We move forward united!

* The photo is from the official Facebook page of “Pediatric Surgery – Pirogov,” to whose specialists we extend our heartfelt thanks!