Doctors Remove Pen Cap from Man's Lungs After 21 Years
A 26-year-old man from Karimnagar, Telangana, had been struggling with a persistent cough and unexplained weight loss when he sought medical help. Concerned, he visited KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad, where doctors conducted a thorough examination.
Unexpected Finding in the Lungs
Dr. Shubhakar Nadella, a consultant clinical and interventional pulmonologist at KIMS Hospital, ordered a CT scan to determine the cause of the patient’s symptoms. The scan revealed an infection in the lower left lung, initially suggesting an obstruction. However, during the procedure, doctors made a startling discovery—a pen cap lodged inside the lung.
Forgotten Incident from Childhood
As the medical team worked to remove the object, they called the patient’s elder brother for any relevant history. He recalled that 21 years ago when the patient was just five years old, he had accidentally swallowed a pen cap. At the time, doctors assumed the object had naturally passed through his system, and no further investigations were conducted.
Successful Removal and Recovery
The doctors performed a three-hour-long procedure to extract the pen cap safely. Following the removal, they treated the lung infection with antibiotics. Fortunately, the patient responded well to the treatment and has since fully recovered.
Conclusion
Dr. Nadella emphasized the dangers of leaving foreign objects inside the body for extended periods. He warned that if the patient had delayed seeking medical attention, the lung tissue could have suffered severe damage, potentially requiring surgical removal of the affected section.
This case highlights the importance of early medical evaluation for any persistent health issues, especially those linked to past incidents that may have been overlooked. Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications and ensure better health outcomes.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
