Doctors in India have surgically removed 13 ballpoint pens, five wooden spoons, and a candle from a woman’s stomach. Among the objects extracted, one pen measured 25 centimeters in length. Typically, when non-food items are swallowed, symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea occur. But what symptoms did this woman experience with these hard objects in her stomach, and how were they removed? The surgeon provided detailed information.
The patient is a 33-year-old married woman from Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh. After she complained of intense pain on the left side of her chest, her family admitted her to a private hospital. Doctors immediately conducted an ECG and endoscopy. According to Dr. Ramchandra Reddy of Matashree Private Hospital, the ECG appeared normal, but the endoscopy revealed hard objects such as pens, spoons, and a candle inside her stomach.
Dr. Reddy explained that after confirmation through a CT scan, the foreign objects were surgically removed using endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures. The doctors noted that the 25-centimeter-long pen, typically used by children, had perforated her stomach and caused a condition called pneumomediastinum. Dr. Reddy confirmed that the woman’s condition is now stable. Interestingly, she had swallowed four pens a year ago as well, which were also removed surgically at that time.
Mental health experts note that such cases often occur among patients with psychiatric disorders. Dr. Ramchandra Reddy emphasized the critical responsibility of caregivers in ensuring proper care and regular medication adherence for individuals with mental illnesses. He stated that the woman had been suffering from mental health issues and is currently receiving treatment under psychiatric guidance.
