A 19-year-old man (Hanoi) went to Hanoi Medical University Hospital in a state of abdominal discomfort after accidentally swallowing a prosthetic bridge while taking medicine. Previously, the patient had examined another hospital. chest X-ray results did not detect any abnormalities, but the abdominal X-ray showed a foreign object in the area corresponding to the L5 lumbar vertebrae.
Immediately after receiving the treatment, doctors in the Emergency and Intensive Care Department prescribed a CT scan of the abdomen, detecting a foreign object deep in the end of duodenum D3 - a location with many potential risks if not treated promptly.
The patient was transferred to the Gastroenterology Center. Here, doctors performed a stomach - duodenal endoscopy through the mouth and discovered a prosthetic bridge about 2.5cm in the duodenum. With a sharp surface, this foreign object can cause mucosal scratches, bleeding, intestinal perforation or abdominal infections if not removed properly.
Thanks to precise operations and high endoscopic techniques, the crew safely removed the foreign object, causing no damage. After the intervention, the patient was conscious, had no abdominal pain and was discharged the same day.
Doctors warn that gastrointestinal foreign bodies are an emergency condition that can occur at any age, not just in children.
People who wear prosthetic teeth/toothbrush should check periodically to avoid looseness that is prone to falling when eating, drinking or taking medication.
When swallowing foreign objects such as prosthetics, bones, metals, etc., absolutely do not self-treat by drinking water or eating more, because it can cause the foreign object to go deeper and cause serious complications.
It is advisable to go to a medical facility with modern equipment and the ability to endoscopic and intervene for safe treatment.
