Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, has once again demonstrated its
clinical expertise and surgical precision by successfully performing a complex neck exploration
surgery to remove a retained metallic foreign body located dangerously close to the carotid artery.
The rare and high-risk procedure was performed by the Department of ENT Surgery along with his
expert surgical team.
The patient, a male national of the Republic of Chad (Africa), presented to the ENT Outpatient
Department with concerns of a retained foreign body in the neck. He had a significant medical
history of being near a bomb blast explosion nearly one year ago. Since the incident, he had noticed
discomfort and a scar on the left side of his neck but had not undergone definitive treatment.
On detailed clinical evaluation, doctors noted a healed entry wound scar on the left side of the neck.
A CT scan of the neck revealed the presence of a metallic foreign body lodged perilously close to the
left carotid artery, one of the most critical blood vessels supplying the brain. Given the location of
the object and the potential risk of catastrophic bleeding or neurological complications, the case
required meticulous planning and expert surgical intervention.
Considering the complexity and risks involved, the ENT surgical team performed a carefully
planned neck exploration and successfully removed a metallic pellet-like foreign body in to from the
posterior aspect of the left carotid sheath without injuring the carotid artery or surrounding vital
structures, following which the patient had an uneventful recovery with no neurological or vascular
complications and continues to do well on follow-up.
Dr. Prateek Nayak, Consultant – ENT Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, said “Retained foreign
bodies near major neck vessels like the carotid artery are extremely rare and pose significant surgical
challenges. This case required precise imaging, careful dissection, and a multidisciplinary approach to
ensure patient safety. The successful removal of the metallic pellet without any complications
highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and expert surgical management in such complex
trauma-related cases”.
Dr. Prashant N, CEO – Aster Hospitals, commented, “This rare and complex case highlights
the strength of Aster Hospitals’ clinical expertise and patient-centric approach. Managing such high-
risk surgeries safely reflects our continued focus on advanced care, skilled clinicians, and global
standards of excellence”.

This rare case underscores Aster CMI Hospital’s commitment to handling complex and high-risk
surgical cases with excellence, supported by advanced imaging, skilled surgical teams, and
comprehensive post-operative care.