Dubai Surgeons Successfully Remove 2cm Fish Bone from Man's Airway After Two Months of Suffering

In a remarkable medical feat, doctors in Dubai have successfully removed a 2cm fish bone that had been lodged in the airway of a Sharjah resident for nearly two months. The patient, 60-year-old Indian expatriate Unnikrishnan Sivaraman, had been suffering from a persistent cough, congestion, and significant breathing difficulties.

Mr Sivaraman experienced severe nausea and blood-stained vomiting but was initially unaware that a milkfish bone was the cause. He had visited a hospital emergency department where the cause of his symptoms was not identified. His condition progressively worsened, leading to further medical consultations before a CT scan finally revealed the foreign object.

He was subsequently referred to Aster Hospital Mankhool, where examinations showed significant inflammation and granulation tissue surrounding the bone. Dr Jolsana Augustine, a specialist pulmonologist at the hospital, described the case as unusual, noting that while foreign bodies in the airway are not uncommon, a fish bone remaining lodged for such an extended period was rare. The bone was found in the lower airway, extending into the right main bronchus, a critical passage to the right lung.

Dr Augustine emphasized the diagnostic challenges and potential for serious complications if such cases are not treated promptly. The removal procedure was complex due to the bone's sharp edges and the surrounding inflammation. It required meticulous planning and collaboration between specialists in ear, nose, and throat medicine, pulmonology, and anaesthesia.

Surgeons at Aster Hospital Mankhool took extreme care to avoid damaging Mr Sivaraman’s airway and vocal cords, particularly his voice. The procedure involved a bronchoscopy, where a specialized instrument was used to carefully maneuver the bone from the right main bronchus into the upper airway for extraction with specialized forceps. Minimizing the risk of damage to the bronchial wall, surrounding structures, bleeding, and sudden airway obstruction were key priorities throughout the 30-40 minute operation. Mr Sivaraman's oxygen levels were closely monitored.

Following the successful procedure in September, Mr Sivaraman was discharged within three hours and reported significant improvement in his breathing and overall condition. He expressed his gratitude to the medical team at Aster Hospital Mankhool for his recovery. While he continues to eat fish, the experience has made him more cautious about potential bones.

Dr Augustine advised the public to exercise caution when consuming fish, especially varieties with small or sharp bones. She recommended eating slowly, chewing carefully, and avoiding talking or laughing while eating to reduce the risk. She also highlighted the need for extra attention for children and older adults during fish consumption.