Doctors successfully removed a coin embedded deep in a 2-year-old’s esophagus using an advanced endoscopic technique rather than surgery. According to Gram Research analysis of this 2026 case report, specialized endoscopic procedures involving careful tissue removal (mucosotomy and myotomy) allowed safe extraction of the embedded coin, with the child recovering fully and going home the same day. This demonstrates that surgery may not always be necessary for embedded esophageal foreign bodies in children.
When a 2-year-old swallowed a coin that got stuck in his esophagus (food pipe), doctors used an advanced camera technique to remove it instead of performing surgery. According to Gram Research analysis, this case demonstrates that endoscopic removal—using a special viewing tube with tools—can successfully extract coins even when they’re embedded deep in the esophageal wall. The child recovered well and went home after the procedure. This approach offers a less invasive option for pediatric patients with stuck foreign objects, potentially avoiding the need for open surgery.
Key Statistics
A 2026 case report published in VideoGIE documented successful endoscopic removal of a coin embedded in a 2-year-old boy’s esophagus using advanced techniques, avoiding the need for open chest surgery.
In this pediatric case, advanced endoscopic techniques including mucosotomy and myotomy enabled complete removal of an embedded esophageal coin, with the child discharged the same day with no complications.
The case demonstrates that endoscopic retrieval of embedded esophageal foreign bodies may be a viable alternative to traditional surgical resection for pediatric patients, potentially reducing recovery time and surgical risks.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether doctors could safely remove a coin stuck deep in a young child’s esophagus using an endoscope (a thin camera tube) instead of surgery.
- Who participated: One 2-year-old boy who swallowed a coin that became embedded in the wall of his food pipe.
- Key finding: Doctors successfully removed the embedded coin using advanced endoscopic techniques (mucosotomy and myotomy) without needing to perform open chest surgery, and the child recovered well.
- What it means for you: If your child swallows a foreign object like a coin, doctors may be able to remove it with a camera tube instead of surgery. However, this depends on where the object is located and requires specialized expertise. Always seek immediate medical attention for swallowed objects.
The Research Details
This is a case report describing the medical care of one 2-year-old boy who swallowed a coin. The child came to the hospital with wheezing (difficulty breathing) and chest X-rays showed something was stuck in his esophagus. Doctors first tried a standard endoscopy procedure, which is when they insert a thin tube with a camera down the throat to look at and remove objects. During the first attempt, they found the coin but realized it was deeply embedded in the wall of the esophagus, so they stopped the procedure.
After a CT scan confirmed the coin was embedded, the doctors decided to try again with more advanced techniques. During the second endoscopy, they carefully cut away the tissue around the coin to expose it fully, then removed it. This approach avoided the need for major surgery (thoracotomy), which would have required opening the child’s chest.
The child’s recovery was straightforward—he was able to eat normally again, and imaging tests showed no damage to his esophagus. He went home in good condition.
This case is important because it shows that advanced endoscopic techniques can handle difficult cases that traditionally required surgery. Surgery carries more risks, longer recovery times, and more pain for young children. If doctors can safely remove stuck objects with a camera tube instead, it’s better for the patient.
This is a single case report, which is the lowest level of scientific evidence. It describes what happened with one child, not a large group. While it demonstrates that the technique worked in this situation, we cannot conclude it will work for all children or all types of embedded coins. The case is valuable for showing doctors what’s possible, but larger studies would be needed to establish how often this technique succeeds and which patients benefit most.
What the Results Show
The doctors successfully removed the coin from the 2-year-old’s esophagus using an endoscope (camera tube) rather than surgery. The key to success was using advanced techniques called mucosotomy and myotomy, which involve carefully cutting the tissue layers around the coin to expose it fully. Once exposed, the coin was removed through the endoscope.
The child recovered well after the procedure. He was able to resume eating normally, and follow-up imaging (an esophagram, which is a special X-ray of the food pipe) showed no leaks or damage to his esophagus. He was discharged from the hospital in good condition.
This outcome is significant because it avoided the need for thoracotomy—a surgical procedure that would have required opening the child’s chest. Surgery would have meant more pain, a longer hospital stay, and a longer recovery period for the young patient.
The case also highlights the importance of proper diagnosis. The initial X-ray showed the coin was present, but it wasn’t until the CT scan that doctors fully understood the coin was embedded in the esophageal wall rather than just sitting loosely inside the tube. This information helped doctors plan the best approach for removal.
Traditionally, when foreign bodies like coins became embedded in the esophageal wall, surgery was the standard treatment. This case report adds to recent evidence suggesting that advanced endoscopic techniques can sometimes replace surgery for these situations. The approach described here—using mucosotomy and myotomy to expose and remove embedded objects—represents an evolution in how pediatric gastroenterologists handle complex cases.
This is a single case report, so we cannot know how often this technique works or which patients are best suited for it. The success here may have depended on factors specific to this child, such as the coin’s size, location, or how long it had been stuck. Larger studies following many children would be needed to understand the true success rate and safety profile of this approach. Additionally, this technique requires specialized training and equipment, so it may not be available at all hospitals.
The Bottom Line
Pediatric gastroenterologists should consider advanced endoscopic removal techniques for embedded esophageal foreign bodies before recommending surgery. This approach appears safe and effective based on this case, though it requires specialized expertise. Parents should seek immediate medical attention if their child swallows a foreign object—do not wait to see if it passes on its own.
Parents of young children, pediatricians, emergency room doctors, and pediatric gastroenterologists should be aware of this technique. It’s particularly relevant for children who have swallowed coins or similar objects. However, not all hospitals or doctors have the training to perform these advanced endoscopic techniques, so availability may vary.
In this case, the child recovered immediately after the procedure and was discharged the same day. However, recovery time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether any complications occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can doctors remove a coin from a child’s throat without surgery?
Yes, according to a 2026 case report, doctors successfully removed a coin embedded in a 2-year-old’s esophagus using an endoscope with advanced techniques. However, this requires specialized expertise and may not work for all cases or be available at all hospitals.
What should I do if my child swallows a coin?
Seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait to see if it passes on its own. Doctors will use X-rays or CT scans to locate the coin and determine the best removal method, which may be endoscopic or surgical depending on the situation.
How long does recovery take after endoscopic removal of a swallowed coin?
In the reported case, the child recovered immediately and was discharged the same day. However, recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether any complications occur. Your doctor will provide specific guidance.
Is endoscopic removal safer than surgery for swallowed objects?
Endoscopic removal generally involves less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to surgery. However, not all cases are suitable for endoscopic removal. Your child’s doctor will determine the safest approach based on the object’s location and size.
What are the risks of leaving a swallowed coin in the esophagus?
A stuck coin can cause breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and potential damage to the esophageal wall. Immediate medical removal is necessary to prevent serious complications.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If your child has swallowed a foreign object, track the date of the incident, symptoms (wheezing, difficulty swallowing, chest pain), and the date of medical evaluation. Document the type of object, its size, and the treatment method used.
- Use the app to set reminders for follow-up appointments and to monitor for any delayed symptoms like difficulty swallowing or chest discomfort. Create a checklist of safe practices to prevent future incidents, such as keeping small objects away from young children.
- For children who have had foreign body removal, use the app to track eating patterns and any signs of complications (difficulty swallowing, vomiting, chest pain) for several weeks after the procedure. Share this information with your pediatrician at follow-up visits.
This article describes a single case report and should not be considered medical advice. If your child has swallowed a foreign object, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt home remedies or wait to see if the object passes on its own. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare providers based on individual circumstances, imaging findings, and the child’s specific condition. The endoscopic techniques described require specialized training and equipment and may not be available at all medical facilities.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
