In a remarkable medical feat, doctors at the "José Martí" Provincial Pediatric Hospital in Sancti Spíritus successfully saved a four-year-old boy from Trinidad after he accidentally inhaled a metal piece from a watch. The incident took place on December 19, on the brink of the Christmas holidays, while the child was playing with a wristwatch. A piece broke off and lodged in his right lung, as reported by Radio Sancti Spíritus on their YouTube channel.
The boy's family immediately rushed him to the local hospital, where an X-ray revealed the foreign object in his respiratory tract. Due to the severity of the situation, he was urgently transferred in an intensive care ambulance to the provincial hospital in Sancti Spíritus.
Medical Expertise Saves the Day
Leading the medical team were Dr. Caridad Elena Blanco González, with 33 years of experience in pediatric otolaryngology, and anesthesiologist Ailin Cruz Cinaga, who has 12 years in the field. The child's condition was further complicated by acute laryngitis, which caused additional swelling in his airways.
"The procedure was extremely delicate because the object had to be removed quickly and accurately. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, could have critically endangered the boy's life. Fortunately, we managed to extract the piece on the first attempt, which is quite rare in such cases," explained Dr. Blanco González.
The Intricacies of the Procedure
The operation was performed using a rigid bronchoscopy, a highly specialized procedure involving the insertion of an instrument through the trachea to locate and remove the foreign object. During this type of surgery, the patient is in apnea, meaning they are not breathing, making the intervention a real race against time.
"When we successfully removed the metal piece, I felt immense relief and gratitude to God. Achieving this on the first try is not always possible, and the airway inflammation made it even riskier," the otolaryngology specialist recounted.
Parental Precautions Urged
Currently, the child is recovering under medical observation. The doctors urged parents to take extra precautions and prevent children from handling small objects that could be inhaled or swallowed. "Every minute counts in these cases. A foreign object in the airway can cause suffocation and endanger a child's life within seconds," warned Dr. Cruz Cinaga.
There have been numerous reports of Cuban children ingesting foreign objects, necessitating successful surgical interventions. For instance, in April 2024, a two-year-old in Ciego de Ávila underwent surgery after inhaling a foreign body, which led to total lung atelectasis and acute respiratory failure. Local specialists and those from Villa Clara successfully removed the object and stabilized the child.
In March 2024, a seven-month-old in Santiago de Cuba underwent surgery to remove a pin lodged in the lower throat. The operation was smooth, and the child was discharged shortly after, showing a favorable recovery.
Recently, another case involved Liam Carlos Abreu Arévalo, a five-year-old Cuban boy, who was successfully operated on at a pediatric hospital in Havana after accidentally ingesting a coin that settled in his stomach.
Understanding Pediatric Airway Emergencies
What should parents do if their child inhales a foreign object?
Parents should immediately seek medical attention if they suspect their child has inhaled a foreign object. Quick action can be crucial to prevent complications.
How common are cases of children inhaling or swallowing foreign objects in Cuba?
Such cases are reported frequently in Cuba, with successful interventions often highlighted. These incidents underscore the importance of vigilance among caregivers.
What is the procedure for removing a foreign object from a child's airway?
A common procedure is rigid bronchoscopy, where an instrument is inserted through the trachea to locate and remove the object. It requires precision and is performed by specialized medical teams.