In a remarkable medical feat, doctors at Mumbai’s Wadia Hospital successfully removed a sharp metallic object — a zipper stopper from a handbag — from the food pipe of a 10-month-old infant using endoscopy.
According to reports, the baby, Rahul Patel (name changed), had unknowingly swallowed the metallic object. His parents were unaware of the incident until the child began showing symptoms such as persistent cough, cold, irritability, and crying while feeding. Even after two weeks of treatment, the symptoms did not subside, prompting an X-ray which revealed a metallic object lodged in the throat.
The child was then taken to Wadia Hospital, where a team led by pediatric and ENT specialist Dr. Balagopal Kurup performed an endoscopic procedure under general anesthesia. The X-ray confirmed that the metal piece was stuck in the esophagus, pressing against the windpipe. The endoscopy also revealed surrounding swelling and ulcers.
Dr. Kurup said, “Our pediatric anesthesia team secured the airway, and the foreign object was carefully extracted. Post-operative X-rays were normal. To rule out any esophageal tear, our pediatric surgery team conducted an additional dye study before discharging the baby in five days.”
After the successful removal, a Ryle’s tube was inserted to account for possible internal injuries. The child has since recovered and has been discharged in good health.
The child’s father expressed his gratitude: “The doctors at Wadia Hospital not only saved our son’s life but also gave us a reason to smile again. We will always remain thankful to them.”
