Man Lived 8 Years With Chopstick Stuck in Throat

A 46-year-old man in Dalian, China, underwent a recent medical procedure to remove a 12cm metal chopstick that had been lodged in his throat for eight years.

Man Lives Years With Chopstick in Throat

Doctors from the Dalian University of Technology Affiliated Central Hospital were surprised to discover the object during a recent examination. The man, surnamed Wang, accidentally swallowed the chopstick while eating years ago and immediately experienced a choking sensation and recurring throat pain.

Initially, Wang sought medical attention but decided against surgery when doctors informed him it would require an incision in his neck. He chose to live with the foreign object, seemingly forgetting about it over time.

Wang, who has a long-term habit of drinking, attributed occasional discomfort and a persistent sensation of something being stuck in his throat to his drinking habits rather than the embedded chopstick.

The situation prompted a return to the hospital when he woke up with intense throat pain that worsened when swallowing. Scans revealed the 12cm stainless steel chopstick was embedded in the upper right side of his throat, with approximately 3cm still protruding.

Remarkably, doctors found no major damage, including no infection, bleeding, or structural issues with his vocal cords. They successfully removed the entire chopstick through a minimally invasive transoral procedure, avoiding an external incision.

Medical professionals advise against delaying doctor appointments when experiencing discomfort.