Punjab: Over 60 Objects Removed From Man's Stomach

In Punjab's Moga district, a 40-year-old man underwent a three-hour surgical procedure during which doctors removed over sixty objects from his stomach, including earphones, bolts, nuts, washers, a lock, and keys.

60 Objects Found

Kuldeep Singh sought medical help at the Moga Medicity Speciality Hospital on September 26 due to a high fever, recurrent vomiting, and intense abdominal discomfort. According to doctors, he had been experiencing irregular stomach pain over the last two years.

During X-ray examinations, doctors detected several objects within his stomach. Dr. Ajmer Kalra, the Director of Medicity, hospital responsible for the operation of Kuldeep Singh said that it was the first of its kind case in his professional experience. But nonetheless, their team of doctors was successful in taking all the objects out.

Explaining further Dr Kalra said that the patient suffered from Pica disorder. "Singh had ingested sharp objects, resulting in sharp stomach injuries. Despite the successful surgery, he remains on a ventilator and is in critical condition," the director said.

What Is Pica Disorder?

Pica disorder is a mental health condition characterised by an unusual and persistent craving for and consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances, such as dirt, chalk, paper, soap, cloth, hair, or metal objects.

The condition arises in response to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or zinc), sensory issues, developmental disorders (like autism), or psychological stressors. Some theories suggest that pica may serve as a coping mechanism for emotional distress, while others view it as a way to explore the world through taste.

This behaviour typically occurs for a duration of at least one month and goes beyond culturally accepted practices. Pica disorder is often seen in children, but it can also affect adults. It is essential to address this disorder as it can lead to serious health complications due to the ingestion of harmful substances.

Treatment usually involves therapy and counselling to address the underlying causes and manage the behaviour.

Another Case, Another City

Last year, The Hindu reported that a man in Bagalkot had swallowed over 187 coins which were extracted by doctors in an operation. A medical team comprising Eshwar Kalaburgi, Prakash Kattimani, Roopa Hulakunde, and A. Archana successfully removed coins of varying denominations, totalling 1.5 kilograms, from the stomach of Dyamappa Harijan, a 58-year-old resident of Lingsugur in Raichur district.

Harijan had been grappling with Pica, an eating disorder, which compelled him to ingest coins of ₹1, ₹2, and ₹5 denominations. Following an X-ray and endoscopy, the surgery took place at Hangal Sri Kumareshwar Hospital, affiliated with S. Nijalingappa Medical College.

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