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Successful Surgery Saves Cuban Boy After Swallowing a Coin

Saturday, January 25, 2025 by Elizabeth Alvarado

Successful Surgery Saves Cuban Boy After Swallowing a Coin
X-ray of the child where the coin is visible in his body - Image of © Facebook/Fishing in Miami

A five-year-old Cuban boy underwent a successful surgery at a pediatric hospital in Havana after accidentally swallowing a coin that became lodged in his stomach. Although the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, it prompted concern among the Cuban community both on the Island and abroad.

Osvany Sánchez, well-known for his popular social media profile Pesca en Miami, shared details about the situation involving Liam Carlos Abreu Arévalo during a Facebook Live session. Sánchez mentioned that doctors faced certain challenges in removing the coin because it had started to oxidize after staying in the child's stomach for some time.

According to the child's mother, who provided information to Sánchez, the main issue arose when the boy was unable to pass the coin, despite having been given medication for that purpose earlier in January, shortly after the incident occurred.

Medical Intervention and Recovery

After performing an X-ray, specialists confirmed the presence of the coin in the digestive tract and decided to proceed with surgery due to the risk of blockage and potential respiratory complications. The operation was successful, allowing for the coin's removal without significant difficulties. According to Sánchez's update, the child is now out of danger, under observation, and expected to make a full recovery.

Arahy Hernández, a commentator on the Facebook post, expressed relief, stating, "I even talked to Liam via video call; he's doing super well, thank God. Tomorrow I'll be at the hospital supporting the mom. Anyone who can help, remember they are from Guanajay, which is far from Havana."

Similar Incidents in Cuba

There have been multiple reports of Cuban children requiring surgical intervention after ingesting foreign objects. For instance, in April 2024, a two-year-old in Ciego de Ávila was operated on after inhaling a foreign object that caused total lung collapse and acute respiratory failure. Local and Villa Clara specialists successfully removed the object and stabilized the child.

Similarly, in March 2024, a seven-month-old baby in Santiago de Cuba underwent surgery to remove a pin lodged in the lower part of the throat. The procedure was completed without complications, and the infant was discharged shortly after, showing signs of favorable recovery.

These incidents underscore the critical importance of vigilant supervision by parents and caregivers to prevent children from accessing small objects that could be swallowed or inhaled, thus avoiding emergencies that necessitate urgent medical intervention.

FAQs on Pediatric Foreign Object Ingestion in Cuba

What should parents do if a child swallows a foreign object?

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if a child swallows a foreign object, especially if the child shows signs of distress or difficulty breathing.

How can such incidents be prevented?

Preventive measures include keeping small objects out of children's reach and ensuring constant supervision to avoid accidental ingestion or inhalation.

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