The three-and-half-year-old child had been suffering for three months from what was initially diagnosed as pneumonia and was treated with multiple courses of antibiotics, before further investigation revealed more
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
In a rare and extraordinary medical case, doctors at a Mumbai hospital have given a new lease of life to a child in the city, after successfully removing a metal LED bulb lodged in his lung. It put an end to a three-month-long struggle with persistent cough and respiratory distress.
The three-and-half-year-old child had been suffering from what was initially diagnosed as pneumonia and was treated with multiple courses of antibiotics. Despite extensive care, his symptoms persisted, prompting advanced investigations, including a CT scan, which revealed a metallic foreign body lodged deep in the left bronchus.
Following unsuccessful attempts at flexible bronchoscopy in Kolhapur, the child was referred to doctors at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai, where a rigid bronchoscopy revealed the embedded foreign object and a severely narrowed bronchus. Dr Vimesh Rajput and Dr Divya Prabhat performed a mini thoracotomy (4 cm cut) successfully removing the object — an LED bulb from a toy car — and restoring the child’s lung function. The surgery was supported by Dr Anurag Jain, who was the consultant, anesthesiology, during the surgery.
Speaking about the case, Dr Rajput, thoracic surgeon at the hospital, said, “This was one of the rarest cases we’ve encountered. The LED bulb had become embedded in the lung tissue, and conventional methods failed to retrieve it. Through a carefully planned mini thoracotomy, we were able to safely remove the foreign body and restore the child’s breathing.”
Dr Prabhat, ENT Surgeon, added, “Unexplained and persistent respiratory symptoms in children should never be overlooked. Cases like these often-mimic pneumonia or other common conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis. Early detection through advanced imaging can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.”
Emphasising the importance of awareness, Dr Milind Khadke, chief medical officer, said, “Foreign body aspiration in children is more common than most parents realize. Timely medical attention and specialist intervention are crucial in preventing long-term damage to the lungs. This case is a reminder for parents and healthcare providers to be alert when children present with chronic, unexplained respiratory problems. Also, a request to all parents to be extra careful about the condition and type of toys your children are playing with.”
Expressing his gratitude, the father of the child, said, “Words cannot express how relieved we feel. For three long months, we were living in constant fear, not knowing what was wrong with our son. Thanks to the incredible team at Jaslok Hospital, Aarav is now breathing freely and smiling again, and given our child a new life, and we will remain forever grateful.”
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