GI doctor recalls emergency case of ‘steakhouse syndrome’ caused by an unchewed bite

Dr Saurabh Dixit, a senior doctor specializing in laparoscopic, robotic, and laser surgery, shared a harrowing account of a patient experiencing a condition known as "steakhouse syndrome" on Instagram. Steakhouse syndrome occurs when unchewed food or a bone becomes lodged in the oesophagus, causing sudden and severe blockage, leading to intense chest pain and difficulty swallowing.

In the patient's case, a post-iftar meal suddenly gave way to a feeling of a foreign object stuck in his throat. Unable to eat or swallow, the patient sought help first at a nearby medical college and then at a large hospital, both of which failed to diagnose the issue promptly. Eventually, he came to Dr Dixit's hospital, where an emergency endoscopy under sedation revealed two obstructing foreign bodies: a thick bolus of unchewed chicken and a chicken bone.

Dr Dixit emphasized the critical need for early recognition of symptoms and immediate medical intervention. He warned that if the oesophageal obstruction persists, it could lead to serious complications such as oesophageal perforation and aspiration pneumonitis, potentially making it impossible for the patient to eat in the future. The doctor stressed that during the removal process, there is also a risk of oesophageal perforation.

To prevent such incidents, Dr Dixit and Dr Adithya V. Naragund, a senior consultant in GI & HPB Surgery at Cytecare Hospitals, Bengaluru, advise chewing food thoroughly, eating slowly, and avoiding large bites, especially fibrous or dense foods like meat. People with known swallowing difficulties, acid reflux, or oesophageal conditions should also seek medical evaluation.

Practising mindful eating, staying well hydrated during meals, and avoiding distractions can also help reduce the risk of food impaction in the oesophagus.