In an exceptional medical journey, a 3-year-old boy found himself facing a challenge after aspirating an LED bulb from a toy pen. The bulb lodged itself deep within the segmental bronchus of the posterior medial segment of the lower lobe of his left lung, triggering a series of intricate medical interventions.

Responding to the urgent situation, the Pediatric Surgery team under Prof. Dr. Minu Bajpai, Director Emeritus, Madhukar Rainbow Children Hospital, converged to attempt the removal of foreign body from air way using both flexible and rigid Bronchoscopies. Despite their concerted efforts and the utilization of specialized equipment, the bulb stubbornly resisted extraction. After valiant attempts, it became evident that a more invasive approach was necessary.

The Surgical team, led by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Minu Bajpai, who undertook a thoracotomy with precision and skill. Miraculously, they retrieved the bulb without the need for a lobectomy, evidence of their expertise and collaborative efforts. Dr. Chandrasekhar Singha HOD PICU, and Dr.(Col.) Rakhee Goyal HOD Anesthesia, gave significant contributions for intra operative care and post-operative recovery of the patient.

The journey began with the boy presenting symptoms of recurrent coughing over a 15-day period, stemming from his accidental aspiration of the toy pen tip while at play. An X-ray revealed the presence of a wire with a U-bend in the left middle zone of his chest, leading to a crucial revelation upon further investigation—a toy pen with an LED bulb, which the boy had swallowed.

Upon admission, the interdisciplinary medical team swiftly mobilized, recognizing the urgency of the situation. Plans were laid for bronchoscopy and the procedure revealed extensive infection and secretions within the bronchi, complicating the retrieval process. Despite employing both rigid and flexible bronchoscopes and an array of instruments, the bulb remained firmly entrenched in reactive tissue, necessitating a strategic delay to administer antibiotics and mitigate infection.

Following further assessments, including CT scans and additional bronchoscopies, it became evident that surgical intervention was imperative. Despite encountering challenges during surgery, including the bulb’s entanglement within lung tissue and bronchial walls, the team persevered. With meticulous precision, a bronchotomy was performed, disengaging and removing the foreign body before closing the bronchial opening and chest layers.

This complex case highlights the gravity of such conditions and the importance of a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach. Prof. Bajpai and the dedicated medical team at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital depicted excellence in pediatric care.

As a message to the public, this story serves as a reminder of the inquisitive nature of young children and the potential risks associated with unsupervised play. Parents are urged to remain vigilant, keeping small objects out of reach to prevent accidental aspiration and safeguard their children’s well-being. Children should be kept away from such objects like Peanuts, Gram-dal, Cashew-supari pieces, dry fruits & any such small objects. Moreover, with the peanut season approaching, heightened awareness is important to ensuring the safety of our little ones.