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Laparoscopic removal of a swallowed toothbrush
1Department of Surgery, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1000 Tenth Avenue, Suite 2B, New York, NY 10019, USA.
Surgical Endoscopy
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Toothbrush swallowing is rare and usually requires prompt removal. Laparoscopic assisted removal via gastrotomy is a successful surgical option when endoscopic removal fails for ingested foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Toothbrush ingestion is an uncommon event.
- Unlike other foreign body ingestions, spontaneous passage of toothbrushes has not been documented.
- Prompt removal is advised to prevent complications.
Observation:
- A case of toothbrush ingestion is presented where initial endoscopic removal was unsuccessful.
- The patient subsequently underwent a successful laparoscopic-assisted removal via gastrotomy.
Findings:
- Endoscopic removal of ingested toothbrushes may fail.
- Laparoscopic-assisted gastrotomy is an effective alternative surgical approach for difficult foreign body removal.
Implications:
- This approach should be considered for managing ingested foreign bodies requiring surgical intervention.
- Prompt and definitive management is crucial for patients with ingested toothbrushes to avoid adverse outcomes.