One day at day care, three-year-old Olivia was acting unusual. Her cheeks were beginning to get puffy and she was becoming more and more irritated with her throat, grabbing at it and repeating that it hurt over and over. She told the sitter her throat was hurting and when prompted as to why, Olivia admitted that she had “eaten” a piece of money.

Mom laid out a penny, nickel, dime and quarter and asked Olivia which one she “ate.” She chose the quarter.

Babies and young children explore their world by putting things in their mouths. It’s a natural instinct and not uncommon for some of these objects to be swallowed. Often they pass through the body without the need for medical attention.

In this case, however, Olivia was obviously in distress, frequently spitting out salvia because she could not swallow. At the hospital she started gagging and trying to vomit, signs that medical attention was needed.

After triage, she was examined by an Emergency medicine physician who ordered an X-ray which confirmed that a quarter was lodged sideways in the narrow opening of Olivia’s esophagus. Surgical removal of the quarter was needed.
Mom requested general surgeon, Michael Monfils, MD, because he had operated on Olivia before for a herniated naval.

Once he arrived, his gentle but confident manner eased the parents’ anxiety. Olivia was given a shot to make her sleepy and was moved to the Operating Room, where Dr. Monfils, an anesthetist and surgical nurse were present. The anesthetist made sure Olivia stayed asleep during the procedure.

Dr. Monfils used an endoscope, a flexible tube, which he passed into esophagus, grabbing the quarter. The removal actually took less than two minutes. The quarter was washed off and given to Mom later.

When she was out of recovery and in a pediatric room for observation, Dr. Monfils checked on her. They had a nice talk about piggy banks! Olivia went home several hours later and rested the next day. Her throat was still a little sore, but she was anxious to get back to day care to warn her friends not to eat money. The quarter is now framed and hanging in her bedroom.

Dr. Monfils said he has removed numerous foreign objects from children’s throats. While the surgery is routine, the situation can be dangerous. In rare instances, very small objects like peas and peanuts can go down the wrong pipe and block the airway. Never try to remove the object yourself, he warns parents. Signs that medical attention is needed include trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing; spitting up saliva or vomiting; chest pain, stomach pain or pain when swallowing.

Click here to read more stories