Bengaluru, January 9th, 2025 – Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, has once again demonstrated its clinical expertise and surgical precision by successfully performing a complex neck exploration surgery to remove a retained metallic foreign body located dangerously close to the carotid artery. The rare and high-risk procedure was performed by the Department of ENT Surgery along with his expert surgical team.

The patient, a male national of the Republic of Chad (Africa), presented to the ENT Outpatient Department with concerns of a retained foreign body in the neck. He had a significant medical history of being near a bomb blast explosion nearly one year ago. Since the incident, he had noticed discomfort and a scar on the left side of his neck but had not undergone definitive treatment.

On detailed clinical evaluation, doctors noted a healed entry wound scar on the left side of the neck. A CT scan of the neck revealed the presence of a metallic foreign body lodged perilously close to the left carotid artery, one of the most critical blood vessels supplying the brain. Given the location of the object and the potential risk of catastrophic bleeding or neurological complications, the case required meticulous planning and expert surgical intervention.

Considering the complexity and risks involved, the ENT surgical team performed a carefully planned neck exploration and successfully removed a metallic pellet-like foreign body in to from the posterior aspect of the left carotid sheath without injuring the carotid artery or surrounding vital structures, following which the patient had an uneventful recovery with no neurological or vascular complications and continues to do well on follow-up.

Dr. Prateek Nayak, Consultant – ENT Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, said “Retained foreign bodies near major neck vessels like the carotid artery are extremely rare and pose significant surgical challenges. This case required precise imaging, careful dissection, and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patient safety. The successful removal of the metallic pellet without any complications highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and expert surgical management in such complex trauma-related cases”.

Dr. Prashant N, CEO – Aster Hospitals, commented, “This rare and complex case highlights the strength of Aster Hospitals’ clinical expertise and patient-centric approach. Managing such high-risk surgeries safely reflects our continued focus on advanced care, skilled clinicians, and global standards of excellence”.

This rare case underscores Aster CMI Hospital’s commitment to handling complex and high-risk surgical cases with excellence, supported by advanced imaging, skilled surgical teams, and comprehensive post-operative care.