The elderly need a different line of treatment than the others. One of the consistent findings in senior citizens is the lack of teeth, which incapacitates them from chewing food properly. In the case below a senior citizen, inadvertently swallowed a piece of bone which led to complications for the patient.
In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at LB Nagar Kamineni Hospital successfully removed a mutton bone lodged in the oesophagus of a 66-year-old patient. The bone had been causing severe complications for over a month, including oesophagal ulcers. This complex procedure was performed endoscopically by Dr Radhika Nittala, avoiding the need for major surgery.
Sriramulu, a resident of Kakkiren village in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, faced this situation due to his inability to chew food properly, as he lacks jaw teeth. While attending a marriage, he consumed mutton, inadvertently swallowing a 3.5-centimeter-long bone. Initially experiencing chest pain a few days later, Sriramulu sought medical advice from local doctors, who misdiagnosed the issue as gastric trouble.
Persistent pain led him to seek further consultation at Kamineni Hospital in Narkatpally, where an endoscopy revealed the bone stuck in his oesophagus. The case was then referred to LB Nagar Kamineni Hospital for specialized care. Dr. Radhika Nittala, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, and her team undertook the challenge of removing the impacted bone using an endoscopic procedure.
“Sriramulu’s condition was severe due to the prolonged presence of the impacted bone, which had pierced the oesophagal wall very close the heart, causing ulcers. The bone’s proximity to the pericardium required meticulous handling during the endoscopic procedure to avoid further complications i.e. perforation.”
Dr Radhika Nittala
The procedure was a success, thanks to the expertise of the medical team. Dr. Nittala emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention in such cases. “Had the bone not been removed in time, the ulcer would have completely pieced the oesophagus causing perforation and necessitating major surgery. We managed to avert these risks through careful endoscopic manoeuvring during its removal,” she explained.
Post-procedure, Sriramulu was advised to follow a strict dietary regimen to facilitate recovery. “We recommended a liquid diet initially, including coconut water, to allow the ulcers to heal. He is now relieved from pain and has progressed to eating a soft diet,” Dr. Nittala added.
Dr Nittala also highlighted the importance of proper food consumption, especially for those with dental issues. “People of all ages should chew their food thoroughly. Individuals without teeth should consume well-cooked, soft foods and avoid bones.,” she noted. The successful management of this challenging case underscores the capabilities and dedication of the medical professionals at LB Nagar Kamineni Hospital, providing a beacon of hope for similar cases in the future.
