Fish Bone trapped in lung for over a year successfully removed at VPS Lakeshore Hospital

Kochi: In a rare and complex bronchoscopic procedure, doctors at VPS Lakeshore Hospital successfully removed a 2 cm-long fish bone that had been trapped in the lung of 64-year-old Abdul Wahib for over a year—after being misdiagnosed as a tumour at multiple hospitals.

The patient, Abdul Wahib, a resident of Karunagappally with systemic hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus, had been experiencing recurrent episodes of left lower lobe obstructive pneumonia, along with persistent left-sided chest pain, cough, and mild breathlessness for over a year. An endoscopic examination revealed a fish bone lodged in his lung, which had triggered granulomatous tissue formation due to prolonged irritation.

Dr. Mujeeb Rahman, Consultant Pulmonologist, VPS Lakeshore Hospital led the procedure, performing a bronchoscopic polypectomy under general anaesthesia. The bone had caused severe irritation and tissue growth around it, making the removal challenging, but the team successfully extracted it.

"The patient had been experiencing persistent respiratory distress for over a year. The endoscopic procedure played a crucial role in diagnosing the condition accurately. The procedure was particularly challenging due to the extensive granulation tissue formation around the foreign body. He is now recovering well after the successful removal of the fish bone," said Dr. Mujeeb Rahman.

Expressing gratitude, the patient’s wife, Ramlath, shared their ordeal that several doctors who they met initially suspected it as a tumour. “It was only after coming to VPS Lakeshore Hospital that we learned it was actually a fish bone trapped in his lung for months. By God's grace, he is recovering fast. We are deeply grateful to the doctors and the hospital for giving him a new lease on life," said Ramlath.

Dr. Sk Abdulla, Managing Director of VPS Lakeshore Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to advanced care: "This case underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and expert intervention. At VPS Lakeshore, our team is equipped with cutting-edge technology and expertise to handle such complex cases, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients." Abdulla added.