Patient Endured Pain for 15 Days; Doctors Discover 2×1 cm Glass Piece Lodged in Food Pipe
New Delhi (Model Town), June 01: For nearly two weeks, every meal had become a painful experience for a 40-year-old man who suffered persistent throat discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increasing pain while eating. Unaware of the cause, he continued to endure the symptoms until he sought medical attention at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town. Doctors later discovered that a sharp 2×1 cm piece of glass had accidentally entered his food pipe (esophagus) while eating and had remained lodged there for approximately 12 to 15 days.
Timely diagnosis and expert intervention by the hospital’s specialists helped prevent a potentially life-threatening situation. Using advanced endoscopic techniques, doctors successfully removed the glass fragment in less than five minutes without any complications.
According to medical experts, a sharp foreign object lodged in the esophagus for such a prolonged period can lead to serious complications, including esophageal perforation, severe infection, bleeding, and mediastinitis, all of which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Given the severity of the condition, the patient was immediately prepared for an emergency endoscopic procedure. The procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Apurva Pande, Additional Director & HOD – Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Director – General Surgery, at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town.
Speaking about the case, Dr. Apurva Pande said, “Many patients tend to ignore early symptoms, assuming they are minor or temporary. However, any sharp object lodged in the esophagus can become extremely dangerous over time. Fortunately, in this case, the patient received timely evaluation and treatment. With modern endoscopic techniques, many such cases can be managed successfully without the need for major surgery.”
He further added, “Persistent difficulty swallowing, pain while eating, excessive salivation, repeated vomiting, or unusual chest discomfort should never be ignored. Seeking medical advice at the right time can help prevent serious complications.”
Dr. Sanjeev Chopra said, “Any foreign body that remains lodged in the esophagus for more than 24 hours can lead to severe complications. In this case, a 2×1 cm glass fragment had remained impacted for nearly two weeks, significantly increasing the risk. However, through rapid diagnosis and coordinated medical management, our team was able to remove it safely. This case highlights the importance of seeking timely medical care when symptoms persist.”
Following the procedure, the patient was kept under observation. His condition improved rapidly, and he was discharged in stable health. Doctors confirmed that he has resumed normal oral intake and is recovering well.
The case highlights how prompt diagnosis, advanced endoscopic expertise, and multidisciplinary coordination can successfully manage potentially life-threatening emergencies through minimally invasive treatment.
Key Highlights
- 2×1 cm glass piece lodged in the esophagus for nearly 12–15 days
- Successful endoscopic removal completed in less than five minutes
- No complications during or after the procedure
- Patient discharged in stable condition
- Procedure performed by Dr. Apurva Pande and Dr. Sanjeev Chopra at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town