Tam Nong Medical Center removes 20cm toothbrush from patient's stomach

Doctors at the Tam Nong Regional Medical Center in Phu Tho successfully removed a 20cm toothbrush from a patient's stomach using endoscopy. The patient, from Cam Khe commune, sought emergency care on August 23 after accidentally swallowing the object while brushing teeth.

CT scans revealed the 3x20cm object was lodged in the stomach, partially obscured by food residue, which complicated the procedure. Medical staff opted for general anesthesia and specialized endoscopic tools to free the toothbrush from the food mass and extract it through the mouth.

The procedure lasted approximately one hour, and the toothbrush was removed intact. Post-operative checks confirmed no significant bleeding or perforations to the esophagus or stomach. The patient remains stable and conscious. Medical professionals noted that such large, rigid, and angular objects pose high risks of internal bleeding, ulceration, or perforation if not treated promptly.