Patient Arrives in Critical Condition
A rare and extraordinary medical case was reported this week at the General Hospital in Hurghada, a popular Egyptian city on the Red Sea coast. Doctors successfully removed a fully intact mobile phone from a man’s stomach after an urgent surgical procedure.
The patient was brought to the hospital complaining of intense abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, and weakness. According to the Red Sea Health Directorate, his condition was deteriorating rapidly, prompting immediate diagnostic scans.
Scans Reveal a Heavy Object
Medical imaging showed the presence of a solid, heavy object lodged inside the patient’s stomach. On closer examination, doctors discovered that it was a small mobile phone.
The reasons why the man swallowed the device remain unclear. Medical staff have not disclosed whether it was an accident, a psychological issue, or an intentional act.
Surgery Performed Without Complications
Dr. Karim El-Shabrawy, the hospital director, confirmed that a team of experienced surgeons performed the operation promptly.
“The team acted quickly and professionally. The phone was removed intact, and thankfully there were no complications during the surgery,” he told local media.
After regaining consciousness, the patient was reported to be in stable condition. However, he remains under close medical observation to monitor for any possible internal damage or post-operative infection.
A Rare but Not Unprecedented Case
While the case has drawn significant attention for its unusual nature, such incidents have been documented before. Medical professionals say that foreign object ingestion is more common among children, but it can also occur in adults — sometimes linked to psychiatric disorders, attempts to smuggle items, or dares.
In Egypt, a similar incident occurred in 2021, when another man swallowed a mobile phone. In that case, the device became lodged in his esophagus and had to be removed urgently.
Globally, doctors have reported patients swallowing coins, keys, batteries, and even cutlery. In a similar case in Pakistan, doctors removed an iron lock from a woman’s stomach without surgery.
According to a 2020 study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, more than 80% of ingested foreign objects pass naturally without medical intervention. However, sharp, large, or electronic items can cause serious complications, including perforation of the digestive tract, bleeding, and infection.
Risks of Swallowing Electronic Devices
Medical experts warn that ingesting electronic devices carries additional dangers beyond physical obstruction. Mobile phones and similar gadgets contain batteries and toxic chemicals. If the battery casing is damaged, it can leak corrosive substances into the stomach, causing potentially life-threatening injuries.
Even if swallowed whole, as in this case, prolonged exposure to stomach acid can damage the device and release harmful materials. This makes swift medical intervention essential.
Community Reactions and Medical Advice
The incident has sparked widespread discussion on Egyptian social media, with many expressing shock and curiosity about the circumstances. Some have humorously questioned the man’s motives, while others have highlighted the importance of mental health awareness.
Doctors urge anyone who suspects they or someone else has swallowed a foreign object — particularly an electronic one — to seek immediate medical help. Symptoms to watch for include persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and signs of internal bleeding.
Looking Ahead
The Hurghada General Hospital has stated that the patient will remain under observation for several days. Psychological evaluation may also be recommended to determine the reasons behind the ingestion.
As bizarre as the story may seem, medical professionals stress that such cases underscore the importance of public education on the dangers of swallowing foreign objects and the need for quick access to emergency medical care.
