A live leech was safely extracted from a patient’s nose by a team of Bahraini ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors.
The leech was stuck in the patient’s nose for nine days, and the young patient suffered from nosebleeds and a nasal obstruction, according to ENT surgery consultant Dr Deena Shabib.
Dr Shabib, who serves as Government Hospitals ENT chairperson, stated that this condition is known as ‘nasal hirudiniasis’, when blood-sucking aquatic leeches attach themselves to the nasal mucosa.
“Internal hirudiniasis occurs when a leech enters the body, often via drinking or swimming in unfiltered natural water,” Dr Shabib said on her Instagram story.
“Always ensure your water sources are safe when outdoors!” she advised.
Dr Shabib shared a video of the dark-coloured leech wriggling in a medical sample tube.
A video showing the leech being extracted from the patient’s nose, with the help of an endoscope, was posted by another doctor.
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