New Delhi: A live cockroach measuring 3 centimetre was successfully extracted from the small intestine of a 23-year-old man at Fortis Hospital in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, according to a report by news agency PTI. The procedure, which took just 10 minutes, utilised advanced endoscopic techniques.
The patient had been suffering from severe abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty digesting food for three days. After this he sought medical attention. Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology, noted that the patient had consumed street food prior to experiencing these symptoms.
‘Insect might have entered the mouth during sleep’
An Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy revealed the live cockroach lodged in the man’s small intestine. Dr Vatsya led the medical team that employed a specialised endoscope equipped with dual channels—one for air and water infusion and the other for suction—to safely remove the insect.
Dr Vatsya explained that the cockroach could have been ingested while eating or possibly entered the mouth during sleep. He emphasised the potential life-threatening consequences if such cases are not addressed promptly. “A live cockroach in the small intestine is a life-threatening situation, so we immediately proceeded with the endoscopy to remove it. The patient may have either swallowed the cockroach while eating or the insect may have entered his mouth while he was sleeping. If the cockroach had not been removed in time, it could have led to serious and potentially fatal infectious disorders,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
Fortunately, the swift action taken by the medical team ensured the patient’s safety. “Even we were surprised at how the cockroach managed to remain intact,” Dr Vatsya remarked.
