Çorum doctors remove live leech from patient's throat

A 59-year-old man, Nurettin Açıkgöz, underwent surgery in Çorum, Turkey, to remove a live leech from his throat. After drinking water from a village spring in the Sungurlu district approximately three weeks prior, the patient developed severe symptoms including throat pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

Upon examination at Hitit University Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital, ENT specialist Dr. Ömer Gönen discovered the live leech attached to the posterior wall of the lower pharynx near the vocal cords. To prevent the leech from entering the trachea or causing uncontrollable bleeding, doctors performed a precise surgical procedure under general anesthesia to remove it.

The patient recovered quickly and was discharged the following day. Hospital Chief Physician Doç. Dr. Muhammed Gömeç issued a warning to the public, advising against drinking directly from unknown, stagnant, or unfiltered natural water sources, especially in rural areas or during outdoor activities.