Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad/Jodhpur

Ahmedabad/Jodhpur, Jun 13: A three-year-old boy from Rajasthan's Jodhpur has successfully regained his ability to swallow and eat normally after undergoing a highly complex reconstructive surgery at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital following severe damage to his oesophagus caused by accidental ingestion of a corrosive chemical.

The child, identified as Ayaan, accidentally consumed a soap-making chemical while playing at his grandfather's house on February 14, 2025. Soon after the incident, he developed severe difficulty in swallowing both liquids and solid food and was initially treated at a local hospital.

Despite medical care, his condition failed to improve. Further examinations revealed extensive corrosive injury to the oesophagus, resulting in an almost complete blockage of the food passage.

Ayaan was subsequently referred to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where doctors first performed a feeding gastrostomy procedure to ensure adequate nutrition by delivering food directly into his stomach.

Over the following months, the child underwent intensive nutritional rehabilitation and continuous medical monitoring to improve his overall health and prepare him for major reconstructive surgery.

Hospital officials said the severity of the injury required a carefully planned, multi-stage treatment approach.

As part of the initial reconstruction process, surgeons removed the severely damaged section of the oesophagus and created a cervical opening on November 17 to facilitate later surgical restoration.

The final and most critical procedure was carried out on May 20 by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Rakesh Joshi, along with Dr Jayashree Ramji and anaesthesiologist Dr Seema Gandhi.

During the operation, doctors performed a gastric pull-up procedure, a specialised surgery in which the stomach is mobilised and repositioned into the chest cavity to replace the damaged oesophagus and restore the swallowing pathway.

Dr Joshi explained that such surgeries require meticulous planning and extensive preparation.

“Proper nutritional rehabilitation, weight gain, assessment of stomach capacity and coordinated planning among multiple specialties are essential before undertaking such a complex procedure,” he said.

Following the successful surgery, Ayaan gradually resumed oral feeding without complications and was later discharged in stable condition.

Hospital authorities stated that the entire treatment process, including surgeries, hospitalisation and follow-up care, was provided free of cost.

Officials credited the positive outcome to the coordinated efforts of teams from paediatric surgery, anaesthesia, intensive care and dietetics departments, which worked together throughout the child's prolonged treatment journey.

Doctors also used the occasion to caution parents and caregivers about the dangers posed by household chemicals. They advised that substances such as acids, alkalis, toilet cleaners, phenyl and soap-making chemicals should always be stored securely and kept out of the reach of children.

Dr Joshi noted that young children frequently explore their surroundings by putting objects into their mouths, making them particularly vulnerable to accidental poisoning and chemical injuries.

He further advised that in cases of accidental ingestion of corrosive substances, immediate medical attention should be sought rather than attempting home remedies, as delays can significantly worsen the extent of internal injuries.

The successful recovery marks a significant medical achievement and offers hope for children suffering from severe corrosive injuries requiring advanced reconstructive treatment.