On February 6, Hoan My Vinh Hospital received a 4-year-old patient (T.A., from Hung Nguyen District) who was brought to the hospital after accidentally swallowing a foreign object. 

According to the child’s family, about 30 minutes before arriving at the hospital, the child was playing with a key and accidentally swallowed it. After noticing the incident, the family immediately took the child to the hospital for emergency care. 

Successful Emergency Removal of Dangerous Gastrointestinal Foreign Object in a 4-Year-Old Child

Upon arrival at the Emergency and Intensive Care Department, doctors quickly performed a clinical examination and ordered an X-ray scan, which revealed that the foreign object was likely located in the stomach. The case was urgently consulted, and doctors decided to perform an emergency gastroscopy to remove the object. 

The endoscopic procedure was carried out by a coordinated medical team including emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, and gastroenterology endoscopy specialists. The foreign object was successfully removed and identified as a metal key approximately 4 cm long with a pointed end. After the procedure, the child regained full alertness, remained in stable condition, and was later discharged from the hospital. 

The “key” foreign object found in the child’s stomach. 

According to Dr. Tran Thi Bich Lan, MD, Specialist Level I, Deputy Head of the Emergency and Intensive Care Department at Hoan My Vinh Hospital: 

“If treatment had been delayed, the foreign object could have moved deeper into the stomach or intestines. Hard metallic objects with edges, such as keys, can cause mucosal scratches, bleeding, or even perforation of the stomach or intestines. In such cases, children may face serious complications such as peritonitis, making treatment significantly more complex and severe.” 

This case serves as an important reminder for parents. Gastrointestinal foreign object ingestion is a common accident among young children and can be particularly dangerous when children swallow sharp objects such as keys, screws, or chemical-containing items like button batteries. 

Hoan My Vinh Hospital has successfully treated many cases involving foreign objects in the esophagus, stomach, and colon, and is always ready to provide timely emergency care to ensure patient safety. 

During the Lunar New Year holiday, when children spend more time playing at home, the risk of household accidents can increase if adult supervision is limited. Medical professionals emphasize that even a brief moment of inattention may lead to unexpected and potentially dangerous situations. Healthcare experts advise parents to closely monitor children’s living environments, keep small or sharp objects out of their reach, and seek immediate medical attention if any abnormal signs are observed.