Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine

Advanced Bronchoscopic Intervention at Yashoda Medicity Removes Eraser from 4-Year-Old's Airway, Restores Collapsed Lung.

Doctors at Yashoda Medicity successfully saved a 4-year-old child after a piece of eraser became lodged in his left main bronchus, causing near-complete airway obstruction and collapse of the left lung. The 4-year old child accidentally inhaled the eraser while playing nearly two days before reaching the hospital.

An emergency bronchoscopic procedure was performed using a flexible ultrathin bronchoscope and cryoprobe. The multidisciplinary team included Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Director; Dr Ankit Bhatia, Senior Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology; Dr Lokesh, Principal Director & HOD of Anesthesiology & Critical Care; and Dr (Maj) Shaifali Bhatia, Senior Consultant - Paediatrics & Neonatology.

During the 90-minute procedure, doctors successfully removed the eraser and restored airflow to the collapsed lung. The intervention was particularly challenging because the child's airway measured only about 4 mm in diameter, requiring precise airway management and close coordination between the bronchoscopy and anaesthesia teams.

Speaking about the case, Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Director, Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology, Yashoda Medicity, said, “This was a particularly challenging procedure because the child’s airway measured only about 4 mm in diameter. Maintaining adequate oxygenation while simultaneously navigating specialized instruments through such a narrow airway required meticulous planning and close coordination between the bronchoscopy and anaesthesia teams over a 90-minute procedure.

Dr Ankit Bhatia, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine & Interventional Pulmonology, said, “Cases like these highlight how small objects such as erasers, toy parts, nuts, and seeds can quickly turn into life-threatening airway emergencies in children. Any episode of sudden coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulty after playing should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent serious complications, including lung collapse, and can save lives.”

Describing the ordeal as one of the most frightening experiences for the family, the child's parent said, “Watching him struggle to breathe was one of the most frightening experiences for our family. We are deeply grateful to the doctors and medical team at Yashoda Medicity for their timely intervention, expertise, and constant support throughout the treatment. Knowing that specialists from different disciplines were working together and that advanced facilities were available gave us immense confidence during a very difficult time. We hope other parents learn from our experience and seek immediate medical attention if a child develops persistent coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulty after inhaling or choking on a small object.”

Following removal of the foreign body, the child's breathing improved immediately. Airflow to the left lung was restored, allowing the collapsed lung to re-expand. The child recovered well and was discharged in stable condition on 18 June 2026.

Doctors emphasized that young children are particularly vulnerable to accidentally inhaling small objects during play. In this case, the foreign body had already caused the collapse of the left lung. Further delay in treatment could have resulted in severe infection, persistent lung collapse, irreversible lung damage, respiratory failure, and potentially life-threatening complications.
The successful outcome underscores the importance of timely diagnosis, advanced bronchoscopic expertise, specialized equipment, and a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex airway emergencies in children. Yashoda Medicity remains committed to providing comprehensive, advanced interventional pulmonology and critical care services, backed by state-of-the-art technology and specialist teams capable of handling complex medical emergencies across age groups.

Treatment By:
Dr Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Director; Dr Ankit Bhatia, Dr Lokesh; and Dr (Maj) Shaifali Bhatia.

Timely Care at Yashoda Medicity Helps International Patient Recover from Serious Lung Infection

A patient from Kazakhstan developed a serious lung infection after undergoing medical treatment that weakened his immunity. Despite receiving treatment multiple times in his home country, his condition did not improve, prompting his family to seek further care in India.

A detailed chest scan revealed a large infected area in the lung, suggesting a long-standing problem. The procedure to closely evaluate the lungs was performed at the Yashoda Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology, under the care of Dr. Ankit Bhatia and Dr. Rajesh Gupta. During the procedure, the patient developed a temporary complication, which was promptly managed, and he recovered well.

Further tests confirmed a rare fungal infection - Aspergillus Niger of the lung. Once the correct diagnosis was established, the patient was started on appropriate treatment and showed steady improvement.

Follow-up scans later confirmed complete healing of the lung. The patient has since returned in good health and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the medical team.

The case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, focused treatment, and experienced medical care in managing complex lung infections, and reflects the growing role of Indian medical institutions in treating patients from across the world.

Treatment By:
Dr. Ankit Bhatia and Dr. Rajesh Gupta