Six-month-old baby receives surgery months after swallowing package of staples

A six-month-old infant was admitted to Assuta Ashdod Medical Center for surgery after swallowing a package of staples, learned Wednesday. The baby's parents had taken him to the doctor several times over a month and a half due to persistent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Despite treatments like inhalations and medication, his condition showed no significant improvement. Vomiting also developed.

Upon admission to the emergency department, an X-ray revealed the foreign object in the baby's esophagus: a packet of staples. Some staples remained connected, while others had lodged in the esophagus wall. Considering the baby's respiratory issues and the staples' location, doctors opted for urgent surgery.

The operation, a collaborative effort among pediatric gastroenterology, ear, nose, and throat specialists, pulmonology, and the anesthesia team, lasted approximately an hour and a half. The staples were removed individually, some of which had pierced the esophageal wall. The procedure caused local damage, swelling, inflammation, and infection in the affected area.

Post-removal, the baby was administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, and inhalations. Feeding was initially done through a tube to aid esophageal healing.

Dr. Chani Oliveston, director of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit at Assuta Ashdod Hospital, explained the baby's persistent symptoms were due to the staples' prolonged presence, causing inflammation, infection, and swelling in the esophagus. The baby's respiratory condition was also poor. The successful staple removal was a relief, but the message to parents was clear: when symptoms persist and fail to improve, further investigation is crucial.