Timely intervention and multi-disciplinary care saved the child after accidental ingestion of a homemade cockroach repellent.
Mumbai, 6th August, 2025 – Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, successfully managed to treat a complex case involving a two-year-old girl who accidentally ingested a corrosive homemade cockroach repellant mixture (baking soda and sugar).
The child presented to the hospital with severe complications including vomiting, haematemesis (vomiting blood), swelling of the lips, and multiple painful oral ulcers just hours after ingestion.
Initially managed at another hospital, the child was shifted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital in a highly irritable state, with elevated heart rate and early signs of respiratory compromise. Despite slight wheezing, her oxygen levels were maintained on room air. Clinical evaluation revealed evident ulceration around the lips and oral cavity.
A thorough diagnostic approach was adopted which included an oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD scopy) and blood investigations. A week later, a barium swallow test confirmed the presence of oesophageal stricture, a serious complication that demanded prolonged and staged medical and surgical management.
During her initial stay, the child was kept nil by mouth (food and water withheld) for three weeks and managed in the PICU with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through intravenous supplements, and high-grade antibiotics. Feeding was gradually reintroduced. However, persistent narrowing of the oesophagus required multiple sessions of balloon dilatation, a process that extended over several months.
Post-procedural complications such as mediastinitis and pneumothorax arose, necessitating further PICU admission, intercostal drain (ICD) insertion, and inotropic support to stabilise her vitals. Eventually, at the end of six months, the child underwent a definitive surgery – gastric pull-up with feeding jejunostomy, a complex but life-saving procedure.
“Corrosive injuries in children can be devastating and challenging to manage. In this case, we faced several hurdles, from stricture formation to post-procedure complications. A successful gastric pull-up surgery and the child’s ability to feed orally again reflect the dedication and expert coordination of our entire paediatric team,” said Dr. Rasik Shah, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Surgery, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai
Post-operative care included follow-up scopies and nutritional support. The patient began tolerating oral feeds and recovered steadily under the coordinated care of the PICU, anaesthesia, gastroenterology, and surgical teams. Across all stages – from ER to ICU, OT, and post-operative care – the hospital’s multidisciplinary protocol ensured patient safety, stable recovery, and return to normal feeding.
“This case reinforces the importance of integrated paediatric care. The availability of all specialties under one roof – from emergency to critical care to advanced surgery – was key to the child’s recovery. Our team worked round-the-clock to ensure a positive outcome,” said Dr. Zubin Pereira, Facility Director, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai.
The child required multiple admissions, with two major hospital stays of around one month each and additional short-term admissions. Today, after months of dedicated care and follow-up, the child has resumed feeding orally and is on the path to full recovery.
This case highlights the seriousness of corrosive ingestion – which may begin with simple ulcers and progress to life-altering strictures. It underscores the need for awareness, the importance of keeping hazardous substances out of children’s reach, and the value of an integrated paediatric care centre.
