What happened to the baby in Ahmedabad Civil Hospital?

Doctors retrieved a button cell battery from the esophagus of a five-month-old baby, saving his life.

What caused ulcers in the baby's food pipe?

Chemical leaching from the swallowed button battery caused ulcers in the child's upper food pipe.

Was the baby's esophagus damaged by the battery?

Yes, chemical leaching caused ulcers, but doctors successfully removed the battery and the esophagus healed completely.

Home / Health / Doctors Remove Battery From Infant's Esophagus

Doctors Remove Battery From Infant's Esophagus

28 Nov

•

Summary

Doctors successfully retrieved a battery from a five-month-old baby's food pipe.
Chemicals from the battery caused ulcers in the child's upper esophagus.
A follow-up endoscopy confirmed the esophageal wall had healed completely.

Doctors Remove Battery From Infant's Esophagus

A five-month-old baby's life was saved after doctors at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital successfully removed a button cell battery from his esophagus. The infant had accidentally swallowed the battery a few days prior, leading to a persistent cough that prompted his parents to seek medical attention. Initial X-rays revealed the foreign object, leading the parents to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

The medical team, comprising ENT and Pediatric Surgery departments, swiftly conducted an endoscopy. Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent, highlighted the critical nature of the situation, noting the risk of esophageal perforation from the battery's chemicals. The prompt intervention by the doctors successfully managed the complex case and averted a life-threatening outcome.

Following the successful operation and discharge with medication to treat the ulcers, the child underwent a follow-up endoscopy after 15 days. This examination confirmed that the esophageal wall had healed entirely, marking a full recovery for the infant.