Doctors in a Delhi hospital saved the life of a toddler after he swallowed mercury from a broken thermometer. According to experts from HCMCT Manipal Hospital, initially, there were no signs of pain or vomiting, making it hard to determine if the two-year-old had even ingested the hazardous and toxic metal. Doctors said they gave the child laxatives, but an X-ray showed mercury throughout the bowel.
Finally, Dr. Sufla Saxena and her team performed an urgent colonoscopy and bowel lavage to remove the mercury. Doctors said the child was discharged the next day, and a follow-up X-ray confirmed the mercury was cleared, avoiding further treatment.
How was the procedure conducted? According to doctors, while they were trying to flush out mercury, it was located throughout the large bowel and at the tip of the appendix. A comprehensive bowel lavage was conducted to flush out the mercury from the colon. With early diagnosis and opting for the procedures at the right time, we were able to prevent the dangerous effects of mercury exposure and ensure the child's recovery without complications.
This case highlights the important role of timely and advanced pediatric care in managing toxic exposures," Dr. Saxena, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, told ANI. What is mercury poisoning? According to experts, mercury poisoning refers to toxicity from the consumption of mercury - a toxic metal that you may come into contact with through a variety of ways.