New Delhi, February 5: Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) successfully saved the life of a 14-month-old girl who accidentally swallowed a 2-inch metal spring.
According to an official statement from AIIMS, the metal spring became lodged in her esophagus and was successfully removed through endoscopic surgery.
The girl, a resident of Yamunanagar, was brought to the hospital after experiencing persistent vomiting and being unable to eat or drink for two days.
During examinations, an X-ray revealed that a large metal spring was stuck in the upper part of her esophagus, accompanied by ulcerations on the mucosa.
Professor Dr. Vishal Jain from the pediatric surgery department explained, “The spring was lodged in the upper part of the esophagus. Its thickness was significantly greater than that of a typical pen spring, measuring about half an inch wide and 1.5 to 2 inches long.”
Initially, an attempt was made to remove it endoscopically at a private hospital in Dehradun. However, due to swelling and lesions in the esophagus, this procedure was deemed risky, prompting her immediate transfer to AIIMS.
Dr. Jain and his team utilized advanced endoscopic techniques in the operating room. The spring was carefully rotated and extracted to avoid any perforation of the esophagus.
AIIMS reported that the girl’s condition improved rapidly post-surgery, and she was able to start eating normally the following day.
Dr. Jain advised parents to keep items such as springs, batteries, coins, and small toy parts out of children’s reach, as swallowing these can be life-threatening. He emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if a child swallows something, allowing doctors to provide appropriate treatment based on the size of the object.