Thiruvananthapuram: Doctors have said it is risky to remove a guide wire that got lodged in the chest of a young woman during surgery at the General Hospital.

The wire remained inside the body of 26-year-old Sumayya, a resident of Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, after a surgery done in February 2023. A medical board convened on Thursday, including experts from Sree Chitra and Medical College, assessed that removing the wire, which is attached to blood vessels, could be dangerous. The board noted that, as the wire is not causing other health complications, Sumayya can continue to live with it.

Sumayya had earlier told the panel that she experienced severe difficulties, including shortness of breath. A health check six months ago revealed the wire was lodged in a blood vessel, prompting the health department to appoint an expert committee in April 2025 following her complaint.

Sumayya’s family said they have not yet received official communication on the board’s decision. They indicated that if the committee recommends leaving the wire in place, they would discuss next steps with the doctors. The family also requested that Sumayya be offered a government job in recognition of the prolonged suffering she has endured.