This is the gut-wrenching moment doctors removed a three-inch-long leech from a patient's nose in India.

ENT specialist Dr Kishan conducted an examination and discovered the large parasite lodged inside the teenager's nostril at the Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beigh Memorial (MMABM) Associated Hospital GMC Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir.

Footage shows the blood-sucking creature wiggling while being held with a surgical tong.

Local media reported that the doctors used suction to retrieve the worm.

The hospital confirmed that the man did not sustain any injuries and is in good health.

Doctor Kishan said: 'Samples will be sent to the forensics lab for analysis to determine the exact nature of the worm.'

Leeches secrete an anticoagulant called hirudin, which prevents blood from clotting. This can lead to continuous bleeding from the site of attachment. Prolonged feeding by a leech can cause anaemia due to significant blood loss and internal bleeding.