A 92-year-old woman in Turkey recently made headlines after doctors discovered a shocking 63 stones inside her stomach and intestines. The elderly woman, Ms Ayi, was rushed to the hospital earlier in February after experiencing severe stomach pain and vomiting, according to reports.


Doctors were shocked to discover a 4 cm stone clogging her small intestine, a life-threatening situation that need rapid surgery. Further scans revealed dozens more stones, including olive and date pits, that had accumulated over time. This uncommon medical case highlights the possible health risks of eating indigestible substances.


How did 63 stones end up in her stomach?


Ms Ayi had a long-standing habit of swallowing the seeds of dates and olives instead of spitting them out. Over time, these pits, which the body cannot digest, began accumulating in her digestive tract.


Eventually, the blockage became severe, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and an inability to eat even soft foods like bread. Doctors discovered that one large stone had caused an intestinal obstruction, which, if untreated, could have been fatal.




Doctors had no choice but to operate. The two-hour surgery involved removing the damaged portion of her intestines and extracting a total of 63 stones. Among them were:

28 date pits

35 olive pits

Five fist-sized stones

Had the condition been ignored, it could have led to more severe complications like internal infections or even organ failure. Thankfully, the operation was successful, and Ms Ayi is now recovering.


Health risks of swallowing seeds and foreign objects

Many people unknowingly swallow small seeds, but when done excessively, it can lead to serious health issues. Some dangers include:

Intestinal blockage: Large, indigestible objects can get stuck in the intestines, leading to severe pain and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal perforation: Sharp seeds or stones can puncture the digestive tract, causing life-threatening infections.

Malnutrition: A blocked intestine can prevent proper absorption of nutrients, leading to weight loss and weakness.

Chronic digestive issues: Indigestion, bloating, and acid reflux can develop over time due to seed accumulation.

How to prevent such medical emergencies?

To avoid similar health complications, doctors recommend the following precautions:

• Avoid swallowing large seeds or pits – Always remove them before eating.
• Chew food thoroughly – This helps with digestion and prevents swallowing hard objects accidentally.
• Seek medical help for persistent digestive issues – Chronic bloating, nausea, or trouble swallowing should not be ignored.
• Stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods – This keeps the digestive system healthy and prevents blockages.