The Biting Colon: An Unfortunate Nightmare for a Healthy but Anxious Patient

Division

Far West

Hospital

MountainView Hospital

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

5-1-2024

Keywords

colonoscopy, dental bridge, foreign body, gastroenterolgy, internal medicine

Disciplines

Digestive System Diseases | Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

A 48-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with an uncommon scenario after accidentally ingesting a three-unit dental bridge, leading to its impaction within the lower gastrointestinal tract. Despite initial conservative management with laxatives aimed at facilitating spontaneous passage, the foreign body remained lodged in the colon. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoscopic intervention via colonoscopy, during which the dental bridge was successfully extracted. This case highlights the complexity of managing foreign body ingestions, particularly when impaction occurs in uncommon locations, such as the colon. We emphasize the importance of individualized care strategies and recognize the potential of endoscopic procedures in resolving clinical scenarios involving foreign body ingestions.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

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