This is the moment surgeons operating on an infant suffering from five days of vomiting discover a large water bead toy obstructing her intestines.
The nine-month-old from Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi Province in north-western China, was diagnosed with a severe bowel obstruction on 6th July, according to a report by Xi’an Children’s Hospital.
The infant, who had been vomiting for five days and suffering from a bloated abdomen, was taken to the hospital’s outpatient clinic, where a CT scan confirmed the need for emergency surgery.
During the operation, a blockage was discovered in her small intestine, and a round object measuring 3.5 centimetres (1.3 inches) in diameter was found inside.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
A water bead is surgically removed from a 9-month-old infant at Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Shaanxi, China, on 6 July after the absorbent toy obstructs her intestine 
A water bead is surgically removed from a 9-month-old infant at Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Shaanxi, China, on 6 July after the absorbent toy obstructs her intestine
The hospital said the child’s vomiting and bloating symptoms had been caused by the ball, which was identified as a water bead toy.
The objects, which come in different colours, expand after absorbing water and are often used in vases for flower displays.
According to the mother, she had purchased a set of water beads for her son, who is older.
The girl is thought to have accidentally swallowed one of them before it absorbed fluids in her digestive tract and expanded to block her intestines.
The infant was in stable condition and expected to be discharged in the coming days, the report said.
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Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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