Accidentally swallowed toothbrush in mentally healthy patient: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Most ingested foreign bodies are usually passed through the gastrointestinal tract. Ingested toothbrush however is almost never passed due to their long length, which doesn’t negotiate the C-loop of the duodenum. Early endoscopic removal is however recommended to reduce chances of morbidity and mortality. Surgical option is considered when there is failure of endoscopic retrieval or when complication such as duodenal perforation has set in. In this case we present a 40-years-old man who accidentally ingested toothbrush that was removed surgically through mini laparotomy and gastrostomy.