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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Surgery saves boy who gulped tiny LED bulb

Mumbai : In a bizarre development, a small boy from Kolhapur swallowed a tiny LED light bulb a few months ago that got stuck deep in his...

Surgery saves boy who gulped tiny LED bulb

Mumbai : In a bizarre development, a small boy from Kolhapur swallowed a tiny LED light bulb a few months ago that got stuck deep in his lung causing huge trauma and emotional stress for his family, officials said.   When the unusual case was referred to the Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre (JHRC), a team of medicos successfully extricated the foreign object lodged in the three-and-half-year-old boy’s chest.   Recounting the remarkable feat, a JHRC official said the child, Aarav Patil was reported to be suffering from severe breathing difficulties and incessant coughing for almost three months.   Doctors treating him at his home town initially mistook it for pneumonia and subjected him to multiple courses of antibiotics and other medicines, but there was improvement in the boy’s condition.   Subsequently, he was taken for advanced tests, examinations and a CT Scan which revealed the shocker – a metallic object was sitting inside the boy’s left bronchus, partially blocking the airway.   More tests identified the offending object – it was a LED bulb from a toy car – a development so rare that even seasoned doctors described it as a ‘one in a million case’.   Though doctors in Kolhapur attempted to retrieve the foreign body through flexible bronchoscopy - a minimally invasive procedure - the attempts proved to be unsuccessful.   As Aarav’s condition appeared to deteriorate, his desperate family rushed him to JHRC and he was referred to a team of specialist doctors.   After studying his case and examining Aarav, the medical team comprising thoracic surgeon Dr. Vimesh Rajput, ENT surgeon Dr. Divya Prabhat and Dr. Anurag Jain discovered that the bulb had not only blocked the bronchus but had also embedded itself in the surrounding tissues of the lung tissue, making its removal extremely challenging.   A rigid bronchoscopy conducted further confirmed the severity of the obstruction. Left with no other option, the doctors decided to opt for a mini thoracotomy — a delicate surgery involving a 4-centimeter incision in the chest.   “This was one of the rarest cases we’ve encountered. The bulb was lodged in such a way that conventional methods could not retrieve it. Through careful planning and teamwork, we managed to safely remove the object by a mini thoracotomy and restored Aarav’s lung function,” explained Dr. Rajput.   Emphasising how such cases are ignored, Dr. Prabhat pointed out that chronic cough or breathing issues are often dismissed as common pneumonia or even asthma.   “However, such persistent symptoms must always be investigated thoroughly, especially through early detection and imaging which can make all the difference to the patient,” she averred.   JHRC CMO Dr. Milind Khadke said, “The foreign body aspiration in kids is far more common that parents may realise but quick intervention is critical to prevent long-term medical complications.”

Back with a bang!

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis’s resurgence in the Maharashtra assembly elections of 2024 is a fascinating political narrative, marked by strategic acumen, grassroots mobilization, and a keen understanding of the electorate’s pulse. His war-cry of ‘Mi Punha Yein’ (I shall be back) turned into a joke after the Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray backstabbed him in 2019. Later he was ridiculed by likes of Supriya Sule who said ‘Akela Devendra Kya Karega’ while underestimating him when he became the lea deader of opposition in 2019. From that point to the triumphant return today underscores his resilience and political savvy.


Also, even after he managed to form the Mahayuti government in 2022, the alliance put up a very poor show in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year. Fadnavis took the whole responsibility on his shoulders and said we shall go to people and win their faith. He proved his words in a span of just five months and underlined his mantle once again.


In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, Fadnavis faced a significant political blow when the Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, broke away from the pre-poll alliance with the BJP. This led to the formation of MVA government, comprising the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Congress, sidelining Fadnavis and the BJP. Despite this setback, Fadnavis remained a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, serving as the Deputy Chief Minister in the subsequent BJP-led government formed after the split within the Shiv Sena.


Fadnavis's comeback in the 2024 elections can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, his ability to maintain a strong connection with the grassroots and his constituency in Nagpur played a crucial role. His consistent engagement with the electorate, addressing local issues, and ensuring development projects kept him in good stead with the voters.


Secondly, Fadnavis's strategic alliances were pivotal. The BJP's coalition with the Shiv Sena and the NCP under the Mahayuti alliance proved to be a masterstroke. This alliance not only consolidated the pro-incumbency vote but also expanded the BJP's reach across different voter bases. The alliance could do this because Fadnavis instilled the concept of collective leadership within the party as well as the government. This helped the Mahayuti alliance to come forth as a united force.


The increased voter turnout in the 2024 elections was another significant factor. Fadnavis attributed this to the pro-incumbency sentiment and the impact of welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin scheme, which aimed at empowering women and garnered substantial support from female voters. The higher voter turnout was seen as a positive indicator of public support for the BJP-led alliance.


Fadnavis's leadership style also contributed to his resurgence. Known for his articulate and pragmatic approach, he effectively communicated the achievements of the BJP-led government and countered the opposition's narrative. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Maharashtra, marked by factionalism and shifting alliances, showcased his political dexterity.


The election results reflected Fadnavis's successful strategy. The Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory, winning a significant number of seats and surpassing the majority mark in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly. This victory not only reinstated Fadnavis as a key political player but also positioned him as a potential candidate for the Chief Minister's post.

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