Nims Performs Rare Food Pipe Surgery On 13‑Year‑Old

HYDERABAD: A 13‑year‑old mentally disabled boy underwent complex oesophageal (food pipe) reconstruction surgery at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims). Nims has handled 600 corrosive injury cases, including over 300 reconstructive surgeries, in the last 34 years.

Doctors said the surgery was extremely challenging because the child’s oesophagus was completely blocked, and postoperative management was further complicated by his mental condition. Despite these difficulties, the medical team successfully completed the treatment, and the child is now able to consume soft food without difficulty.

The child had sustained severe corrosive injury after accidentally consuming cleaning powder on December 5, 2024, experiencing acute difficulty in swallowing food due to extensive damage and narrowing of the oesophagus. A feeding tube was inserted into his stomach for nutritional support. On July 31 last, he was referred to the department of surgical gastroenterology at Nims, where doctors conducted a detailed evaluation and initiated treatment, the institute said in a release.

As per established clinical protocols, reconstruction surgery for corrosive oesophageal injuries is generally performed only after waiting for one year. Accordingly, the patient was closely monitored through regular outpatient follow‑ups.

On April 17, a major oesophageal reconstruction surgery costing nearly ₹5 lakh was performed completely free of cost under the Aarogyasri Scheme with financial support from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

Nims director Prof. Nagari Beerappa, under whose guidance the surgery was performed, said that over the last 34 years the department of surgical gastroenterology treated more than 600 corrosive injury cases, including over 300 reconstructive surgeries. He added that 99.4 per cent of patients were able to maintain normal nutritional status after treatment, highlighting the institute’s expertise and comprehensive medical care.

The surgical team included Prof. Dr Venu Madhav Thumma, Dr Surya Ramachandra Varma Gunturi, Dr Bhanutej Batala, Dr Swami Rajesh, Dr Jeyan, and head of medical gastroenterology Dr Sukanya B. The anaesthesia team comprised Prof/ Dr Nirmala Jonnavithula, Prof. Dr Indira, Professor Ann Kiran, and Dr Ramakrishna.

Doctors warned that corrosive acids and industrial cleaning agents are becoming silent household hazards, and even a small moment of negligence can lead to years of suffering.