Foreign body oesophagus in a neonate: a common occurrence at an uncommon age

Mohammed Zameer1, Ravi Prakash Kanojia, B R Thapa

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Insights

Foreign body ingestion in newborns is rare. A 25-day-old infant successfully underwent open esophagotomy for a large esophageal stone, highlighting surgery

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Neonatal foreign body ingestion is exceedingly rare.
  • Esophageal foreign bodies typically occur in older children.

Observation:

  • A 25-day-old neonate presented with a large stone impacted in the cervical esophagus.
  • The foreign body was accidentally placed by an elder sibling.

Findings:

  • Endoscopic retrieval of the esophageal stone failed.
  • Successful removal was achieved via open esophagotomy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights an unusual presentation of foreign body ingestion at a very young age.
  • Open surgery remains a viable and effective option for impacted esophageal foreign bodies when endoscopic methods fail.

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