Bengaluru Hospital's Lifesaving Surgeries for Acid, Poison Suicide Survivors
In Bengaluru, a young engineer named Isha (name changed) was living her best life in Mumbai after securing a campus placement. When she eventually moved to Bengaluru, every small fight started to irritate her profoundly. One day, in a spur of the moment decision, she ended up drinking an acid-based toilet cleaner. Her family managed to break into the bathroom and save her, but what followed were complex medical procedures across multiple hospitals. Finally, the doctors at the Institute of Gastroenterology and Organ Transplant (IGOT), a public health institution in Bengaluru, constructed a new food pipe for her, giving her a second chance at life.
The Unique Challenge of Suicide Survivor Care
The doctors at IGOT now face the distinctive and critical challenge of helping suicide survivors regain their quality of life after they have ingested acid or rat poison. According to Dr. Nagesh NS, director of IGOT, the long-term impact of such attempts is often devastating and life-altering. "Those who ingest acid are left with a burnt oesophagus, damaging their food pipe, voice box, or even the stomach. Those who ingest rat poison are left with severe liver damage," he explained. The physical trauma from these substances requires specialized medical interventions that go beyond emergency care.
Complex Reconstructive Surgery for Acid Ingestion
For patients who consume acid and suffer extensive internal injuries, IGOT performs a highly complex reconstructive surgery known as oesophagocoloplasty. "In this procedure, we construct a food pipe in the throat using a portion of the colon, which is then connected to the stomach. It is a complex procedure, and the course of treatment is around six months," Dr. Nagesh detailed. This surgery is not only technically demanding but also involves a lengthy recovery period, during which patients must adapt to significant changes in their digestive and vocal functions.
While the surgery and associated treatment, including prolonged hospitalization, can cost anywhere between Rs 10–15 lakh in private hospitals, the procedure is performed free of cost at IGOT. Between 2022 and 2025, the hospital carried out 29 such surgeries, providing critical care to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it. In cases where the burns are less severe, doctors attempt endoscopic repair instead of surgery, offering a less invasive option when possible.
Patient Demographics and Heartbreaking Choices
Dr. Nagesh highlighted that a large share of the survivors who come to IGOT are from weaker socioeconomic backgrounds and are usually referrals from neighbouring Victoria Hospital or other hospitals in the city. "Most of them are males and are often troubled by substance abuse or financial woes," he noted, shedding light on the underlying issues that may lead to such desperate actions. This demographic trend underscores the importance of accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations.
He also pointed to a striking and poignant pattern observed among survivors. In cases where patients are forced to choose between preserving their ability to eat or speak, "they invariably choose food," he said. This difficult decision reflects the fundamental human need for sustenance and survival, even at the cost of other vital functions. Isha, a survivor, seconds this opinion through her family. "While till date she has not told us why exactly she attempted to take her own life, but she has since mentioned multiple times that she regrets taking that step, especially when she sees friends her age getting married or moving out and about," a family member shared. However, today, despite her ongoing health struggles, Isha earns a salary of Rs 1 lakh a month at her new job and is on the track to normalcy, demonstrating resilience and hope.
PLEX Therapy for Rat Poison Ingestion
Patients who ingest rat poison are treated with PLEX (plasma exchange) therapy, a critical process in which the patient's blood is filtered to remove harmful toxins, antibodies, or inflammatory proteins from the plasma. The discarded plasma is replaced with albumin or saline before the cleaned blood is returned to the body. "We conduct about 60 cycles of PLEX therapy every month, and around 20 patients undergo around three sessions on average at a nominal rate. In private hospitals, this would cost Rs 20,000–30,000 per session. It is like dialysis for the liver," Dr. Nagesh explained. This therapy is essential for preventing fatal liver damage and offers a lifeline to those affected by poison ingestion.
IGOT's Impact and Achievements
IGOT was inaugurated in October 2021, and since its inception, the hospital has made significant strides in medical care. It has conducted 42 free liver transplants, performed over 5,800 surgeries, 39,000 endoscopic procedures, and treated 1,653 major cancer cases. These accomplishments highlight the institution's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to the community, particularly in the realm of gastroenterology and organ transplantation.
The work at IGOT not only saves lives but also addresses the broader public health challenge of suicide and its aftermath. By offering free surgeries and therapies, the hospital plays a crucial role in supporting survivors on their journey to recovery, emphasizing that medical intervention can be a cornerstone of second chances and renewed hope.
