Recent medical incidents in Dubai have highlighted the hidden dangers of accidentally swallowing bones, prompting healthcare professionals to emphasize the importance of careful eating habits and timely medical intervention.
A general physician in Dubai endured stomach discomfort for three months before discovering that a 5cm-long fish bone had pierced his intestine, causing a painful abscess. Dr. Akhilesh Sapra, a gastrointestinal surgeon at Prime Hospital, treated the doctor and noted the severity of the situation. “The sharp end of the fish bone was dangerously close to a major blood vessel, making any delay potentially life-threatening,” Dr. Sapra explained in a Gulf News report. The physician underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the bone and resumed work within five days.
In another case, a 20-year-old Yemeni expat experienced chest discomfort and difficulty swallowing due to a chicken bone lodged horizontally in his esophagus. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Nabil Abdul Aziz Elshobary, head and clinical lecturer at Thumbay University Hospital’s Centre of Gastroenterology, described the challenge of the procedure. “It was a challenge to remove it due to the risk of esophageal injury,” he said. The bone was eventually broken into smaller pieces and safely removed during an endoscopic procedure.
These cases have led doctors to underscore the need for awareness and prompt action when dealing with swallowed bones. “The message here is to be careful while eating non-vegetarian food, not ignore any abdominal pain, and avoid self-medication,” Dr. Sapra advised. He urged individuals who suspect they have swallowed a bone to seek immediate medical attention and undergo appropriate imaging tests.
Dr. Elshobary echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. “Prevention of such food-related incidents can be done through chewing and eating slowly and mindfully,” he added.