On 10/5, doctors at Da Nang Hospital successfully removed a fishing hook from the esophagus of a 46-year-old man. The patient, from Hiep Duc commune, is now stable and expected to be discharged in a few days. He was admitted in severe pain, with part of the fishing line still protruding from his mouth.

The incident occurred after the man consumed fish gifted by an acquaintance. Unaware of a fishing hook left inside, he accidentally swallowed the foreign object. The hook traveled with the food, embedding itself deep in his throat.

X-ray results showed the fishing hook lodged horizontally in the patient's esophagus. *Photo: Thu Phuong*

X-ray and CT scans confirmed the foreign object was lodged horizontally in the esophagus at the D1-D2 segment. According to doctors, this was a very dangerous location due to its proximity to major blood vessels, posing a life-threatening risk if not promptly addressed.

The ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department team, in coordination with the surgical anesthesia and resuscitation department, performed an emergency endoscopy that night. After about 45 minutes, doctors successfully removed the fishing hook.

Doctor Ho Xuan Trung, Deputy Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Da Nang Hospital, advised that when preparing caught fish, especially sea fish, people should carefully check the fish's mouth, gills, and intestines to avoid leaving hooks behind.

The fishing hook after being removed. *Photo: Thu Phuong*

He further cautioned, "If, after eating, you experience a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or suspect you have swallowed a foreign object, seek medical attention immediately. Absolutely do not attempt to dislodge it yourself or try to swallow more food to push the object down, as this could perforate the esophagus or damage blood vessels."

Nguyen Dong