Man Goes to Hospital for Sto.mach Pain—Doctors Shocked by What They Find Inside

A man tried to induce vomiting while drunk using a spoon—six months later, doctors discovered it was still stuck inside his intestine.

The official website of Zhongshan Hospital at Fudan University (China) reported a bizarre and dangerous incident involving a 29-year-old man named Xiao Yan. He arrived at the emergency room complaining of abdominal pain and discomfort after eating.

Doctors conducted a physical examination and a CT scan to identify the cause. Initially, the patient believed he may have accidentally swallowed a plastic object. But to everyone’s surprise, what they found was a 15-centimeter ceramic spoon lodged in his duodenum.

When questioned about the spoon, Xiao Yan recalled a trip he took to Thailand with friends. He had gotten extremely drunk—even though he wasn’t a regular drinker—and vaguely remembered feeling nauseous and using a teaspoon from the hotel room in an attempt to vomit. However, due to his intoxicated state, he passed out and later assumed it was just a dream, never giving it a second thought.

It wasn’t until six months later, when he began experiencing persistent digestive issues, that he sought medical help—only to find out that the “dream” had actually been real, and the ceramic spoon had remained in his body all this time.

Dr. Zhu Binhong, Director of the Endoscopy Center at Zhongshan Hospital, explained that the spoon was thin and had a smooth surface, but it had become lodged at the junction between the duodenum and stomach—a very narrow area. If not removed promptly, it could have caused a perforated bowel or severe internal bleeding.

Fortunately, after a 90-minute endoscopic procedure, doctors were able to remove the spoon without the need for open surgery. Xiao Yan recovered quickly and was discharged a few days later.

Zhongshan Hospital emphasized that swallowing foreign objects isn’t limited to children—it also happens in adults. In the past, patients have accidentally swallowed items like lighters, toothbrushes, and pencils, all of which can often be removed via endoscopy, with a success rate of over 95% if treated in time.

Xiao Yan’s case serves as a strong reminder for those who drink excessively or engage in risky behavior: pay attention to your body. If you suspect you may have swallowed something unusual, don’t wait—see a doctor immediately.