Extraction of swallowed toothbrush in stomach by pneumatic insufflation and gastrotomy under local anesthesia: A rare occurrence

Abstract

Most of the ingested foreign bodies pass uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract. However, long and rigid foreign bodies are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal impaction, perforation, and bleeding. Spontaneous passage of a toothbrush has not been reported till date and the technique of its removal is a curiosity for surgeons. Endoscopy is a recommended technique for the removal of such complex foreign bodies. However, if it fails, the foreign body can be removed successfully with a laparoscopic gastrotomy. We devised an innovative technique by using pneumatic gastric insuffl ation and extracted the toothbrush by a tiny
gastrotomy under local anesthesia.

Key words: Gastrotomy, local anesthesia, toothbrush, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy