A 32-year-old man in China was left shocked after doctors discovered a mercury thermometer lodged inside his body nearly 20 years after he accidentally swallowed it as a child.
According to reports, the man, identified only by his surname Wang, visited hospital with stomach pain when scans revealed the object in the duodenum, part of the small intestine.
The case was reported from the Longgang branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.
Childhood accident kept secret
Doctors said Wang later revealed he had accidentally swallowed the thermometer at age 12.
Out of fear, he never told his parents and believed the object would dissolve naturally.
Years passed with only occasional discomfort, until recent pain prompted medical evaluation.
Serious risk discovered
Medical staff found the thermometer tip pressing against the intestinal wall.
Doctors warned that any movement could have caused perforation, internal bleeding or damage near vital structures including bile ducts.
Immediate surgery was advised.
Delicate surgery successful
Surgeons reportedly removed the thermometer in a 20-minute procedure.
The object came out intact despite remaining inside the body for two decades.
Its markings had faded, but reports said no mercury leakage had occurred.
Internet stunned by survival
The extraordinary case quickly went viral online, with many users calling the man extremely fortunate.
Doctors often warn that swallowing foreign objects can be dangerous and may cause delayed complications even years later.
Common issue in children
Reports noted that more than one million people in China seek treatment annually after swallowing foreign objects, with children accounting for a large share of cases.
Experts urge parents to seek immediate medical help whenever such incidents are suspected