A 14-month-old infant cheated death thanks to the expert hands of AIIMS surgeons who deftly removed a massive 2-inch metal spring from her esophagus. The incident unfolded in New Delhi, where the Yamunanagar resident was admitted after days of distress.
Persistent vomiting and refusal to eat brought the little girl to medical attention. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the nightmare: a thick, 1.5 to 2 inches long spring stuck in the upper food pipe, causing ulcers and swelling. Prior efforts at a Dehradun facility had deemed the removal too risky amid the inflamed tissues.
Enter Dr. Vishal Jain, Professor of Pediatric Surgery at AIIMS. His team’s innovative use of sophisticated endoscopy turned the tide. ‘The spring was unusually robust, thicker than typical pen coils,’ Dr. Jain noted, detailing the careful extraction process that avoided any tears in the esophagus.
Post-surgery, recovery was swift—the toddler resumed normal eating within 24 hours. This case spotlights the perils toddlers face from everyday hazards masquerading as toys or tools.
Dr. Jain issued a stark parental advisory: Secure away springs, coins, batteries, and small toy bits. Prompt action upon suspicion of swallowing is non-negotiable, as object size dictates life-saving strategies. AIIMS’s triumph reaffirms its role as a beacon of hope in pediatric emergencies, blending cutting-edge tech with unwavering expertise.
