beijing – A 39-year-old man in china underwent surgery to remove 120 foreign objects from his stomach, according to a report published โin the Annals of medicine and Surgery. The patient initially presented at Tangshan Gongren Hospital with a week-longโฃ history of abdominal distension and blackโ stools.
Initial blood tests revealed a slightly elevated white bloodโ cell count,โค but were otherwise normal.X-rays revealedโฃ numerous opaque objects within the stomach. Despite exhibiting symptoms of psychosis, no gastrointestinal perforation was detected.
Doctors learnedโค the patient had been diagnosed with schizophrenia eight years prior, but discontinued treatment five years ago at his mother’s request. Following the cessation of medication, he developed a habit of consuming non-food items.
The medical team first stabilized theโ patient’s mental state overโข a two-week period before proceeding with surgery. The operation revealed notable gastric dilatation, but no tumors or adhesions. Surgeonsโ successfully removedโค over 120 items, primarily composed of metal,โ including keys, nails, iron rods, needles, โขnail clippers, small knives, and ear spoons.
The patient โฃrecovered well post-operatively, receiving antibiotics and being discharged after โsix days. A follow-up CT scan confirmed complete removal of the foreign objects,and the patient reported a resolution of abdominal pain.โ
Doctors recommended the patient resume antipsychoticโค medication andโ continue โwith regular evaluations from a mental health professional.
