A Male, two years Old Child was brought to the Emergency Room.
Presenting with complaints of vomiting after each feed, including water. He also was complaining of pain on the throat.
Five hours had elapsed from the time the child swallowed the 50 Ngwee coin, to the time he was brought to the hospital.
Having tried all they could to help the Child from home, feeding him Bananas and Nshima to push the Coin down, their efforts were only met with failure and hopelessness mixed with fear.
Upon examination by the Medical Doctor, the child was stable but easily agitated and crying.
He vomited twice in ER, but was not in Respiratory distress. His Vital Signs were stable, and no abnormalities were detected.X-ray was done and confirmed a Diagnosis of foreign body in Oesophagus.
The Child was wheeled to theater where he was made to sleep by anaesthesia with intubation to secure Airway.
A Foley Catheter and Magil Forceps was used, guided by a Laryngoscope, the vocal cords were identified and access to the Oesophagus was gained.
The Catheter was advanced in the Oesophagus by Magil Forceps until Foreign Body was bypassed, measurements from tip of Nose to Xiphoid Process were done.
The Foley’s Catheter balloon was inflated with air and gently pulled to prevent rupture of Oesophagus until the Coin came out and was picked up by Forceps.
The Coin was shown to the parents and Counseling was done on dangers of playing with Coins.
Child was able to feed with no complaints, and was discharged after three days.
Previously, such patients were referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for removal at a huge Cost.
But now, we are able to remove the Coins, especially with the addition of a New Surgeon, using Simple practical techniques.Saving hospital Financial resources.
LGH Public Relations.
Lewanika General Hospital