A Rare Life-Saving Surgery After Corrosive Poisoning

In August 2025, Jyoti, a 16-year-old girl from a village in Haryana, was rushed to Sarvodaya Hospital, Sector 8, Faridabad, after a tragic accident at home. Mistaking a bottle of toilet cleaner for drinking water, she unknowingly consumed a highly corrosive chemical.

Within minutes, Jyoti developed intense abdominal burning and repeated episodes of vomiting. Recognising the seriousness of her condition, her family immediately brought her to Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec 8, Faridabad, for emergency care.

On arrival, detailed clinical evaluation and investigations revealed catastrophic internal damage. The corrosive chemical had destroyed her stomach, which is a rare and life-threatening consequence of corrosive poisoning.

Given the severity of the injury, an emergency damage-control surgery was performed by Dr. Arjun Goel, Senior Consultant & Head (Unit II) – General & Minimally Invasive Surgery, along with his surgical team. To save Jyoti’s life, the entire stomach had to be removed, an extremely uncommon and complex procedure, especially in such a young patient.

The surgery was successful in stabilising her condition. After months of careful recovery and nutritional support, Jyoti later underwent a reconstructive procedure to restore the passage of food. The surgery was conducted by Dr Arjun Goel, along with world-renowned Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon, Dr Shailesh Puntambekar.

After the surgery, Jyoti was discharged within a few days with strict dietary guidelines and regular follow-ups. Initially placed on a liquid diet, she gradually progressed to semi-liquid and soft foods such as puddings over the next month.

Today, Jyoti’s recovery stands as a testament to timely medical intervention, surgical expertise, and the importance of awareness about the safe storage of household chemicals.

What Is Corrosive Poisoning?

Corrosive poisoning occurs when strong chemicals such as toilet cleaners, acids, or alkalis are swallowed. These substances are extremely harmful to the body and can burn and destroy internal organs, especially the throat, food pipe, and stomach. Even a small amount can cause serious injury.

What Is Damage Control Surgery?

A damage control surgery is an emergency life-saving operation, performed when internal organs are severely damaged, and the patient’s life is at immediate risk.

In Jyoti’s case, the stomach was destroyed and had to be removed. The focus of this surgery is to save life first, control infection, and stabilise the patient. Reconstruction is planned later, once the patient recovers.

Why Is Damage Control Surgery Important?

• Prevents life-threatening infections and internal leakage
• Stops further damage caused by the chemical
• Stabilises the patient when survival is uncertain
• Allows future reconstructive surgeries to be done safely
  
• Without this urgent surgery, survival is not possible.
  
  

What Happens If Corrosive Poisoning Is Not Treated on Time?

Delayed or no treatment can lead to:

• Severe burns of the throat, food pipe, and stomach
• Breathing difficulties
• Internal infections and perforation
• Permanent swallowing problems
• Increased cancer risk
• Death Early medical care can be life-saving.

What Should You Do If Someone Accidentally Consumes a Corrosive Substance?

Do’s

• Keep the person calm and upright
• Rush to the nearest hospital immediately
• Inform doctors exactly what was consumed and in how much quantity
  

Don’ts

• Do NOT induce vomiting
• Do NOT give water, milk, or home remedies unless advised
• Do NOT delay medical care
  
• Even if symptoms seem mild initially, internal damage can be severe.
  
  

Life After Such Damage Control Surgery: What Patients Should Know

Patients who undergo stomach removal can still live active lives, but with:

• Small, frequent meals
• Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements
• Regular medical follow-up
• Emotional and psychological support
  
• Recovery takes time, but with proper care, quality of life can be restored.
  
  

Emergency and Critical Care at Sarvodaya

Sarvodaya’s Centres for ER and Critical Care cater to all emergency and critical cases 24x7. Managed by highly experienced doctors, the centres are well-equipped with advanced modalities and equipment crucial for instant surgeries and treatments.

The facility includes multiple specialised ICUs such as the Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Neonatal ICU (NICU), Paediatric ICU (PICU 1 & 2), and a dedicated CTVS Recovery Unit.

Our team ensures continuous observation and seamless transition from critical care to recovery with compassion and precision. Post surgery, proper rehabilitation and recovery care is provided to patients, which includes exercises, physiotherapy, diet and nutrition guidance, ayurvedic panchakarma, counselling and more.