Kauvery Hospital Removes Nose Stud Screw from 55-Year-Old Woman’s Lung Without Surgery
- The woman had lost her nose stud screw nearly 10 months ago. Without her knowledge, it had entered her airway and settled deep in her lung
- Doctors used advanced imaging and diagnostic procedures to identify the foreign object, which had become difficult to detect as it was already covered by tissue
Salem, April, 2025
In a rare medical feat, Kauvery Hospital successfully removed a nose stud screw lodged deep within the lung of a 55-year-old woman, without resorting to surgery. Using advanced imaging and a precision bronchoscopy, a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, doctors extracted the metallic object, which had unknowingly entered the patient’s airway nearly a year ago. The minimally invasive intervention brought immediate relief to the woman, who had been suffering from persistent coughing and bleeding for several months.
The patient was admitted to Kauvery Hospital, Salem, with complaints of persistent cough and occasional blood in her sputum. Initial CT scans revealed infection and blood clots in the lungs, along with signs of a possible foreign object. A bronchoscopy was performed to clear the clots. A CT Pulmonary Angiogram confirmed the presence of a metallic object. Using advanced C-arm imaging and a paediatric bronchoscope, the clinical team successfully retrieved the object.
In his comments, Dr. M.V. Ramachandran, Consultant Pulmonologist, who led the procedures, said, “When the woman first came to us, she was suffering from persistent coughing and occasional bleeding in her sputum. It had lasted for several months despite receiving treatment elsewhere. Initially, we conducted a CT scan. It showed blood clots and signs of infection in the lungs. However, there was also something unclear in the scan. It looked like a foreign object. We performed a bronchoscopy to clear the clots, but bleeding persisted even after the clots were removed. Hence, we conducted a CT Pulmonary Angiogram, which confirmed a foreign object. Using advanced C-arm imaging and a pediatric bronchoscope for greater precision, we were finally able to visualize the object. To our surprise, it turned out to be a nose stud screw deeply lodged in the lung tissue. It was only after the removal that the patient remembered losing the nose stud screw nearly 10 months ago.”
In his comments, Mr. Selvam, Facility Director at Kauvery Hospital, Salem, said, “The non-surgical removal of the stud screw is a rare feat. Our dedicated team of doctors, specialists, and support staff utilised advanced technologies to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatments for the lady. At Kauvery Hospital, we pride ourselves on our commitment to delivering the highest standards of medical care. Our focus remains on providing exceptional care with compassion, supported by cutting-edge resources to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.”
The patient has made a full recovery and is no longer experiencing coughing or bleeding. She is now in good health and back to her normal routine.
