18-month-old in Ashdod swallowed a lithium battery—doctors saved the child's life

Assuta Ashdod Medical Center reported today (Monday) that the life of a toddler who swallowed a lithium battery was saved this past week. The toddler, an 18-month-old from Ashdod, arrived at the hospital's pediatric ER after swallowing the lithium battery. Doctors noted: "This is an especially dangerous medical situation that can cause severe chemical and electrical burns in the digestive tract. It can lead to irreversible damage and even be life-threatening".

Because of the battery's electrical charge and its chemical contents, it can cause major tissue damage within minutes. In this case, the battery remained in the child's esophagus for about 4–5 hours—an unusually long period that significantly increases the risk of extensive injury. The esophagus is also considered vulnerable because it has relatively little blood flow and heals poorly.

According to the hospital, upon arrival at the ER the toddler had difficulty swallowing and was drooling, and was classified as being in a life-threatening condition. Dr. Daniel Kahana, a pediatric resident, received the toddler in the pediatric ER and quickly recognized the severity of the situation. An X-ray identified the battery in the upper esophagus.

Within a short time the pediatric gastroenterology team was summoned, an initial treatment with honey was given—a treatment designated for battery ingestion cases to prevent tissue damage—and the toddler was transferred immediately to the operating room. Only about half an hour after entering the ER, the urgent gastroscopy to remove the battery had already begun, performed by Dr. Eitan Damari, a pediatric gastroenterology specialist and deputy head of the pediatric department.

During the procedure it was discovered that, due to the prolonged presence, a widespread burn had developed in the esophagus. After the procedure the toddler was hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit, sedated and on a ventilator, where supportive care and close monitoring were provided. After a week, the child began to drink and eat soft foods for the first time since the incident, and is expected to be discharged home soon.

Dr. Eitan Damari: "This is a unique case because of the length of time the battery was in the esophagus. A battery that remains in the body can cause significant, life-threatening damage in a very short time. It is important to emphasize that with any suspicion of swallowing a foreign object, and especially a battery, you must go immediately to a hospital. In cases of battery ingestion, early administration of honey can reduce the severity of the injury until medical treatment is received".