In a remarkable feat of medical expertise, a team of doctors successfully extracted a coin lodged in the throat of a 12-year-old boy, ending a seven-year ordeal of discomfort and pain. According to his uncle, the boy had accidentally swallowed the coin at the age of five.
The intricate surgery was led by ENT surgeon Dr. Vivek Singh and his team at the district hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi.
The saga began when the boy, Ankul, hailing from Muralipurva village in Baghauli, complained of stomach pain in April. Initially treated by a private physician, he seemed to recover. However, on June 4, he began experiencing throat pain, prompting his grandfather, Ajay, to rush him to the district hospital for urgent medical attention.
Upon examination, Dr. Vivek Singh made the startling discovery of a one-rupee coin lodged in the boy’s throat, swallowed seven years prior.
An X-ray revealed the coin adhered to the side of his esophagus, showing signs of discoloration. Remarkably, despite the obstruction, the boy had managed without significant discomfort, although he had been diagnosed with jaundice a month and a half earlier.
The coin was safely removed through a meticulous telescopic surgical procedure.
Describing the complexity of the surgery, Dr. Vivek Singh commented, “This case is exceptionally rare, with a coin remaining lodged in the boy’s throat for seven years. This not only hindered his growth but also impacted his physical development, deviating from typical norms for a 12-year-old.”
He emphasized the risk of complications and potential infections even after successful removal, urging the family to maintain regular follow-up appointments for monitoring.
