An investigation has been launched after a Dunedin man who had a chunk of bone stuck in his throat was initially sent home by Dunedin Hospital staff who said they were unsure why he was in pain.
Conway Wood, 60, had a 3.2cm by 3.4cm sheep-bone fragment stuck in his oesophagus. The bone was removed during urgent surgery on Friday and Mr Wood was discharged on Sunday morning and put on soft food while his oesophagus healed, the Otago Daily Times reported.
Mr Wood said he had swallowed the piece of bone about seven days before the surgery while eating home-made stew.
He was in pain but doctors in the emergency department told him they did not know what was wrong.
They did not examine him properly and no X-ray was done, Mr Wood told the newspaper.
One doctor gave him Coca-Cola to dissolve any obstruction, and a ham sandwich that he could not eat.
Mr Wood subsequently sought help from his GP who referred him to a Dunedin Hospital ear, nose and throat specialist.
Urgent surgery was then ordered and the bone removed.
An investigation would be launched into Mr Wood's case, Dunedin Hospital emergency medicine and surgery general manager Dr Colleen Coop said.
- NZPA
Hospital sent man home with bone stuck in throat
File photo / Hawkes Bay Today
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
