Related videos:
A girl just one year old managed to survive after spending 48 hours with a type 2032 lithium battery lodged in her esophagus, according to the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Children’s Hospital, known as La Colonia, in Santiago de Cuba.
The incident occurred when the girl was taken to the hospital with respiratory difficulty. After being evaluated in the emergency room, doctors detected the presence of a foreign object in her esophagus, described on Facebook by the first secretary of the Party in the province, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia.
She was quickly rushed to the operating room, where the battery that had been inside her for two days was removed.
The object caused an erosive injury to the esophageal mucosa, but fortunately, no severe complications occurred, said the regime official.
After the procedure, the child was transferred to the intensive care unit for closer monitoring and treatment.
According to the surgical deputy director of the hospital, Zaida María León Castellanos, the girl is showing favorable progress, without complications or fever, and remains under observation by the otolaryngology department.
At the end of his message, Johnson Urrutia highlighted the work of the doctors "despite the difficulties with supplies."
Cuban doctors have advised parents to constantly monitor their children to prevent similar accidents.
In January, a team of doctors from the "José Martí" Provincial Pediatric Hospital in Sancti Spíritus managed to save the life of a four-year-old boy after he accidentally swallowed a metal piece from a watch.
The incident occurred on December 19, just before the Christmas celebrations, while the minor was playing with a wristwatch, from which a piece detached and became lodged in his right lung, reported Radio Sancti Spíritus on their YouTube channel.
In April 2024, a two-year-old boy in Ciego de Ávila underwent surgery after aspirating a foreign body that caused total lung atelectasis and acute respiratory failure. The procedure was conducted by local specialists and those from Villa Clara, successfully removing the object and stabilizing the child.
In March 2024, in Santiago de Cuba, a seven-month-old baby underwent surgery to remove a pin that had been ingested and was lodged in the lower part of his throat. The operation was conducted without complications, and the child was discharged a few days later, showing a favorable recovery.
Recently, the case of Liam Carlos Abreu Arévalo, a five-year-old Cuban boy, came to light. He was successfully operated on in a pediatric hospital in Havana after accidentally swallowing a coin that became lodged in his stomach.
Frequently asked questions about incidents involving small objects and batteries in Cuba
How did the girl survive having a battery in her esophagus for 48 hours?
The girl survived thanks to timely medical intervention, in which the doctors at the Children's Hospital Sur in Santiago de Cuba successfully removed the lithium battery that had been lodged in her esophagus for two days. Despite the object causing an erosive injury to the esophageal mucosa, there were no serious complications, and the girl is currently under medical observation with a favorable recovery.
What are the risks of children swallowing small objects?
The ingestion of small objects by children can lead to choking, blockages, and internal injuries. These incidents are dangerous and require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. Constant supervision of children and keeping small objects out of their reach is crucial to prevent these accidents.
What measures should parents take to prevent accidents with lithium batteries?
It is essential to store lithium batteries in safe places and out of reach of children. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the handling and charging of batteries to avoid the risk of explosions and fires. These measures will help prevent serious household accidents.
What other incidents related to foreign objects in children have been reported in Cuba?
In Cuba, several cases have been reported of children who have ingested or inhaled foreign objects, such as coins, watch parts, and pins. These incidents have required urgent surgical interventions to remove the objects and ensure the safety of the minors. Prompt medical action has been crucial in preventing serious complications in these cases.
Filed under: