Does A Syringe Breaking Off Inside The Body Require Medical Attention?

Posted on Fri, 29 Dec 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 Answered on

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : If a needle part of the syringe breaks off inside your body what do you do?
Thank you

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It has to be removed

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
If the needle part of syringe breaks off the outer part is usually visible and can be pulled out.
Such happening per se is very very rare.
If the needle is not seen, X-ray is done and if the needle is present it is removed asap.
How sure are you that this has happened?
Was it visible?
Was the X-ray done?
Please give feedback.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (8 minutes later)

Hello
Thank you for the response
When I removed the syringe, the needle was not with it. I checked everywhere and the only place it could be is in my upper left buttock
I am going to go to an emergency department after your advice
Thank you

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Please give feedback

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T