Neglected partial denture in the lower oesophagus presenting after 7 days

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies, particularly dentures, presents an acute medical emergency.
• Prompt removal is typically expected on the day of discovery to prevent complications.

Observation:

• A patient experienced a seizure, leading to denture fracture and asymptomatic aspiration of a major part with a clasp.
• Symptoms manifested five days post-ingestion, with presentation on the eighth day due to esophageal impaction.

Findings:

• The impacted denture segment in the distal esophagus was successfully removed using a combination of flexible endoscopy and rigid esophagoscopy.
• The patient developed mediastinitis post-procedure, which was managed conservatively.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for delayed presentation and serious complications, such as mediastinitis, following asymptomatic denture ingestion.
• It emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation even in asymptomatic patients with suspected foreign body ingestion.
• Successful conservative management of post-procedural mediastinitis highlights a viable treatment approach.