Early Endoscopic Intervention for an Accidentally Swallowed Toothbrush: A Case Report

Esophageal foreign bodies can be diagnosed at any age, especially in childhood. The most efficient treatment method is the endoscopic removal of the object. Early diagnosis and treatment of the esophageal foreign bodies are crucial regarding the possible fatal outcome due to complications. In the literature, there has been a few cases which were presenting ingested huge foreign bodies like swallowing toothbrush. The aim of this case report is to presenting a successful minimally invasive emergency management of this rarely emerging clinical entity. CASE SUMMARY We presented a case of a 23-year-old female patient, who accidentally ingested toothbrush while trying to induce emesis by pharyngeal stimulation using it. After physical, laboratory and radiological examinations were done, obstructed toothbrush was successfully removed endoscopically within two hours, and she was discharged without any complications after 24-h observation. CONCLUSION Emergent endoscopic intervention is a promising minimally invasive approach for retrieving of the ingested esophageal foreign bodies to prevent possible fatal course of the complications