14-Month-Old Swallows Metal Spring, AIIMS Doctors Perform Life-Saving Procedure

Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, successfully saved the life of a 14-month-old girl who had swallowed a large metal spring, in a rare and complex medical case.

The child, who is from Yamunanagar, was brought to the hospital after suffering from continuous vomiting for nearly a week and refusing food for two days. Concerned about her worsening condition, doctors conducted a detailed examination. An X-ray revealed a large metal spring lodged in the upper part of her oesophagus, also known as the food pipe. Doctors also found ulcerations along the oesophageal lining, indicating that the object had caused significant internal injury.

According to AIIMS, the metal spring was unusually thick and much larger than common springs found in items like pens. It measured approximately half an inch in width and was around 1.5 to 2 inches long. Due to its size and shape, the spring had become firmly stuck in the child’s oesophagus, making removal extremely challenging.

An earlier attempt had been made to remove the spring at a private hospital in Dehradun. However, due to swelling and lesions in the oesophagus, doctors there felt the procedure was too risky and referred the child immediately to AIIMS for advanced care.

At AIIMS, a specialised team led by Professor Dr. Vishesh Jain from the Department of Paediatric Surgery planned a carefully controlled endoscopic procedure. Using advanced endoscopic techniques in the operating room, the doctors slowly and precisely rotated the spring to disengage it from the oesophageal wall. Extreme caution was taken to avoid perforation or further injury to the food pipe.

The procedure was successful, and the spring was removed without causing additional damage. Following the surgery, the child’s condition improved rapidly. She was able to start oral feeding the very next day and showed steady recovery under medical supervision.

Dr. Jain stressed the importance of child safety at home, advising parents to keep small objects such as metal springs, batteries, coins, and toy parts out of reach of young children. He warned that swallowing such items can be life-threatening. He also urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect a child has swallowed a foreign object, so doctors can quickly assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.

With Inputs From IANS