Ahmedabad: The Pediatric Surgery Department of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has saved the life of a five-month-old baby who swallowed a button cell battery. Quick and complex intervention by the hospital team removed the battery and prevented serious complications.

Ayan, a five-month-old baby of Raghavbhai, a resident of Ahmedabad, had been coughing continuously for several days. An X-ray at a private hospital revealed a round foreign object lodged in the esophagus. Upon realizing that the baby had been playing with a small button cell, the parents immediately brought Ayan to Civil Hospital.

The ENT and Pediatric Surgery Departments acted swiftly, with Dr. Nirkhi Shah leading the team that performed an emergency endoscopy. During the procedure, the button cell, lodged in the upper esophagus, was successfully removed. Doctors noted that chemical leakage from the battery had already caused ulcers in the esophagus.

Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, said the timely intervention was crucial. “Had the battery not been removed promptly, there was a risk of esophageal perforation, which could have put the child’s life in serious danger,” he said.

Following the operation, Ayan was discharged with medication to heal the ulcers. A follow-up endoscopy after 15 days showed complete recovery of the esophageal wall, and the child has resumed normal feeding without any complications.

Dr. Joshi advised parents to remain vigilant, as foreign objects in the trachea and esophagus are common in young children. He emphasized keeping small batteries, coins, and toy parts out of reach to prevent such life-threatening incidents.  DeshGujarat