Successful Endoscopic Removal of a Swallowed Toothbrush: Case Report

Abstract

Most ingested foreign bodies will pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, long and rigid foreign bodies are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal impaction, perforation and bleeding. Moreover, there has been no case of spontaneous passage of a toothbrush reported. Therefore, the prompt removal of such ingested foreign objects is recommended before complications develop. This case report describes a case of an 18-year-old woman who accidentally swallowed her toothbrush. The toothbrush was successfully removed via flexible endoscopy using a polypectomy snare. A swallowed toothbrush is a special clinical challenge. Early endoscopic retrieval of the toothbrush is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality. In cases when endoscopic removal fails, a laparoscopic surgical approach may be an alternative.

Is using a tooth brush safe? Successful endoscopic removal of adult tooth brush in two cases and short review

“…10 As per ASGE guidelines, conscious sedation or general anaesthesia is a pre-requisite for toothbrush extractions from the stomach. 8 But in present case they did not sedate him, as he was actively participating during the procedure. Special attention has to be paid during the extraction of the toothbrush when pulling through the gastroesophageal junction as it is another narrow part which can cause perforation if forcefully removed.…”

Successful Endoscopic Removal of a Lighter Swallowed 17 Months Before

“…The removal of large foreign bodies from the stomach is influenced by the patient's clinical condition as well as the technical abilities of the endoscopist [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. However, caution as well as extensive experience of the endoscopist is required [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. If endoscopic removal fails or if there is evidence of obstruction or perforation, surgical gastrotomy should be performed.…”

“…[ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The removal of large foreign bodies from the stomach is influenced by the patient's clinical condition as well as the technical abilities of the endoscopist [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. However, caution as well as extensive experience of the endoscopist is required [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Cigarette Lighter Fluid Induced Gastric Ulcer: A Severe Complication of Delayed Foreign Body Removal

“…Foreign objects longer than 6 cm should be endoscopically removed because they may not pass through the pylorus and remain in the stomach [ 1 ]. This can lead to complications such as pressure necrosis, stricture formation, perforation, and bleeding, in which case the first-line therapy is endoscopic extraction [ 1 , 4 ]. If endoscopic intervention fails, laparoscopic gastrostomy should be performed [ 4 ].…”

“…This can lead to complications such as pressure necrosis, stricture formation, perforation, and bleeding, in which case the first-line therapy is endoscopic extraction [ 1 , 4 ]. If endoscopic intervention fails, laparoscopic gastrostomy should be performed [ 4 ]. Foreign body ingestion occurs most commonly in the pediatric population [ 2 ].…”