Medical teams at the Novosibirsk Children’s Emergency Hospital faced a perilous case when a six-month-old infant was brought in in serious distress after swallowing a sharp metal curtain clip. The incident, reported by local news outlets, highlighted the urgency and complexity of treating tiny patients who accidentally ingest foreign objects. The baby was found by anxious parents to be turning pale and struggling to breathe, a warning sign that prompted immediate hospital transport and intervention.
On arrival, clinicians confirmed that the foreign body was larger than the narrowest part of the esophagus and was pressing against the trachea. The object, with its jagged edges, caused direct injury to the esophageal walls and triggered swelling in surrounding tissues. The tight space inside a infantile throat means that even a small obstruction can lead to rapid deterioration, and this was clearly the case here. The medical team explained that the longer the object remained in the airway or esophagus, the greater the risk of swelling and tissue damage, making spontaneous passage unlikely and removal more dangerous.
Olya Akhalkalakelova, head of the hospital’s endoscopy department, described the danger: the hook’s sharp edges could worsen mucosal injuries with each attempt at extraction, and slipping the object free without causing further harm was not feasible. This assessment underscored why a careful, stepwise approach was essential, balancing the urgency to relieve obstruction with the avoidance of additional trauma to delicate tissues.
Endoscopic instruments were initially used in an attempt to retrieve the latch, but the foreign body became lodged in the tissue. Given the position and the risk of damaging the esophagus or airway, clinicians proceeded with a different technique and successfully removed the object using ENT (ear, nose, and throat) forceps under direct visualization. The team then conducted a thorough check for any residual injury and monitored the patient for potential complications, including airway swelling, perforation, or infection. The infant remained under close observation for a week, with continuous vitals monitoring and supportive care, before safe discharge for outpatient follow-up and recovery.
In related pediatric safety matters, a separate incident in Crimea involved a child who gnawed on a thermometer and swallowed mercury, a reminder that even common household items can pose serious risks to young children. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep small objects out of reach, supervise during moments of exploration, and seek immediate medical evaluation if choking, coughing, or breathing difficulties occur. Medical teams emphasize calm, rapid response and early assessment to prevent life-threatening complications in infants and toddlers.