A 10-month-old boy in Mumbai has successfully undergone treatment after swallowing a sharp metallic zipper stopper from a handbag, which lodged in his food pipe for over two weeks. The alarming incident began when the child’s father, Abhinay Jadhav (name changed), noticed his son was coughing and exhibiting irritability, prompting a visit to a pediatrician. Despite two weeks of treatment, the symptoms persisted, with the boy increasingly struggling during feeding.
A chest X-ray revealed the shocking cause: a metallic object stuck in the child’s esophagus. This discovery led the anxious parents to Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital For Children, where doctors identified that the foreign body was lodged in the mid-esophagus, close to critical blood vessels of the heart, and was pressing on the child’s windpipe. The parents were left in disbelief, unaware of when or how the child had ingested the alarming object.
Dr. Balagopal Kurup, an ENT and Pediatric Otorhinolaryngologist at Wadia Hospital, led a team that performed an hour-long procedure to safely extract the zipper stopper. The child underwent esophagoscopy under general anesthesia, and a bronchoscopy to examine the trachea revealed mid-tracheal compression; fortunately, no tears were found. “We observed ulceration and swelling around the impacted object,” Dr. Kurup stated. “Our pediatric anesthesia team ensured the airway was secure, and the foreign body was carefully removed. To address the ulceration on the esophagus wall, a Ryles tube was inserted to prevent potential complications.”
Post-operation, the child was placed in the Intensive Pediatric Care Unit (IPCU) for close monitoring. Ryles tube feeding commenced on the second day after surgery. The patient’s recovery progressed well, and a follow-up dye study conducted by the pediatric surgery team confirmed there were no esophageal tears. The young patient was discharged after five days in the hospital, much to the relief of his family.
Reflecting on their ordeal, Mr. Jadhav expressed the shock and devastation of discovering that their son had a sharp object lodged in his body. “As parents, nothing prepares you for the shock of hearing that your baby has a sharp object lodged deep inside him,” he said. “The thought that our child was silently suffering broke our hearts. Watching him slowly recover, eat again, and smile has been the most emotional experience of our lives, and we are forever grateful to the doctors.”
Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of the hospital, emphasized that this case underscores the significance of timely intervention and highlights the clinical excellence of the surgical team and the hospital’s robust systems designed to prioritize patient safety. The successful outcome not only restored the child’s health but also serves as a testament to the importance of advanced pediatric care.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder for parents to remain vigilant about their children’s safety, particularly concerning small objects that can pose significant health risks. It highlights the critical role of accessible medical facilities and prompt medical intervention in emergencies, ensuring that young patients receive the best care possible.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/mumbai-hospital-removes-zipper-stopper-from-10-month-olds-food-pipe/article69609694.ece
Category : Mumbai
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Publish Date: 2025-05-23 15:02:00
