Ahmedabad doctors remove full-sized Hulk toy from toddler’s stomach

Doctors at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad successfully removed an entire plastic toy figure that a one‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old boy had swallowed, in a delicate procedure that may have saved his life. The incident on January 18 highlighted the dangers of small children playing with toys that have removable parts or are small enough to be ingested.

The child, identified as Vansh , began vomiting and showing signs of distress while playing at home. His mother, Bhavikaben , became alarmed when she noticed one of his toys was missing and suspected he had swallowed it. The family immediately brought him to Civil Hospital, where an X‑ray revealed an intact ‘Hulk’ figure stuck in his stomach , complete with head, arms, and legs . Doctors were stunned to see the full-sized toy lodged inside rather than a broken piece.

Dr Rakesh Joshi , Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, said removing the toy was highly challenging because of its bulk and shape . “The toy measured approximately 10–12 cm in length , with arms, legs, and a head,” he explained. “There is a natural valve between the food pipe (esophagus) and the stomach , and maneuvering the toy through this opening without causing damage required patience and precision. Attempts to grasp it by its limbs risked getting it stuck in the valve and causing permanent injury .”

Using upper GI endoscopy , the surgical team carefully gripped the toy by its head and pulled it out intact , avoiding open surgery. The procedure took about 45 minutes and was performed on January 19 , even as the hospital was hosting an international bladder exstrophy workshop ; Dr Joshi led the emergency intervention with support from Dr Shweta and the anesthesia team .

Doctors emphasized that timely action was crucial . Had the toy migrated into the intestines, it could have caused a blockage or even rupture , necessitating major surgery and posing a serious risk to the child’s life. Thankfully, Vansh recovered fully and was discharged home with his parents.

Vansh’s father, Bhaveshbhai Sahani , urged other parents to remain vigilant and keep small or loose‑part toys away from young children . Civil Hospital also shared the case to raise awareness of choking and ingestion hazards among toddlers.