New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Doctors at AIIMS, New Delhi, once again demonstrated exceptional medical expertise and compassion by saving the life of a 14-month-old infant after a dangerous metal spring became lodged deep inside her food pipe (oesophagus), posing a potentially fatal threat.


The case was particularly challenging, as even a minor error during removal could have resulted in a rupture of the oesophagus and life-threatening complications.


Persistent Vomiting Raised Alarm
The infant, a resident of Yamunanagar, had been suffering from continuous vomiting for nearly a week and was unable to consume food or liquids. Initial consultations at a private hospital failed to identify a clear cause.
Since the child was too young to speak, the possibility of foreign body ingestion was not immediately suspected.


X-Ray Reveals Shocking Truth
An X-ray investigation later revealed a startling finding:
A metal spring measuring approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length and half an inch in thickness
Firmly lodged in the upper oesophagus
Embedded deeply, causing inflammation and injury to the surrounding tissue


Condition Turns Critical
Doctors at the private hospital attempted to remove the object through endoscopy but were unsuccessful due to:
Severe impaction of the spring
Ulceration and swelling of the oesophageal wall
High risk of oesophageal perforation, which could have necessitated emergency open surgery
Given the escalating risk, the child was immediately referred to AIIMS.


High-Risk Procedure at AIIMS
At AIIMS, the case was reassessed by the Paediatric Gastroenterology and Surgery teams.
Under the leadership of Dr Vishesh Jain, specialists classified the case as “extraordinarily high-risk.”
Doctors noted that:
The spring had been lodged for several days
It had partially embedded into the oesophageal wall
Any mishandling could have resulted in perforation and severe infection


Spring Safely Removed Through Endoscopy
Using advanced endoscopic techniques and extreme precision:
The spring was carefully rotated and disengaged
It was removed without causing any tear or perforation
Follow-up examinations confirmed no damage to the food pipe
Child Now Stable and Recovering
Oral feeding was resumed the very next day
The child showed rapid clinical improvement
Doctors are preparing for her early discharge from the hospital
Doctors Issue Strong Advisory to Parents


AIIMS doctors used the case to issue a strong warning to parents and caregivers, urging them to keep the following items out of children’s reach:
Springs
Coins
Button batteries
Small household objects
Medical experts stressed that in infants:
Foreign body ingestion often goes unnoticed
Symptoms such as persistent vomiting, refusal to eat, drooling, or unexplained discomfort should prompt immediate medical attention


A Life Saved, A Lesson Learned
The case stands as a powerful testament to the clinical excellence of AIIMS doctors and serves as a crucial reminder for families about the hidden dangers posed by small household objects.
It underscores how timely diagnosis, advanced medical expertise and cautious intervention can turn a near-fatal incident into a life-saving success story.