Doctors at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) have successfully performed an esophageal reconstruction surgery on a 13-year-old boy who suffered severe damage to his food pipe after accidentally consuming a cleaning chemical in December 2024.

The boy developed severe difficulty in swallowing following accidental consumption of a cleaning powder. The corrosive injury caused extensive narrowing and blockage of the oesophagus, affecting his ability to consume food normally.

Doctors stated that a feeding tube had initially been placed into the stomach to maintain nutrition, following which the child was referred to the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at NIMS in July 2025. After detailed clinical evaluation and a year-long follow-up period mandated under established treatment protocols for corrosive oesophageal injuries, the patient underwent definitive reconstructive surgery.

The procedure, performed by a surgical team led by senior professor and NIMS Director Dr. N. Bheerappa was challenging because of the severe oesophageal stricture and the complex post-operative care required considering the child’s mental condition. Despite the difficulties, doctors said the patient recovered well and is now able to consume a soft diet comfortably without difficulty.

The treatment was completed at a cost of ₹5 lakh and was carried out under the Aarogyasri Scheme with additional financial assistance provided through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).