Docs save baby by crushing peanut stuck in windpipe

Dr Maharudra Dake,the local doctor had advised the parents to rush the child immediately to Jehangir Hospital and had called up the hospital staff and informed them. For three days the baby was on ventilator support. Initial investigations showed that the left lung had collapsed and was less than half the normal size. There was a severe infection in the lungs and this had spread to the entire body causing sepsis.

Initial impression was that the collapse was due to the aspiration of vomit,resulting in a mucus plug blocking the airway. However,since the collapse persisted and instead of improving was experiencing multiple convulsions,a decision was taken to attempt a high-risk bronchoscopy – a very challenging manoeuvre,with the child being in critical condition and on ventilation support. “Removing the peanut pieces was another challenge in itself,given the critical condition of the child,the tiny size of his wind pipe,complete collapse of the left lung and the child being on ventilator.

Pediatric Surgeon Dr Dasmit Singh,who carried out the bronchoscopy said that they had to literally nibble away at the peanut and erode it with instruments in order to free the airway. The procedure was successfully accomplished and the left lung was free from obstruction. Subsequent medication took care of the inflammation and infection and after 48 hours the child was able to breathe without artificial support. He was discharged on March 14.