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Review
. 1988 Mar;123(3):382-4.
doi: 10.1001/archsurg.1988.01400270122020.

Toothbrush swallowing

A D Kirk  1 , B A Bowers, J A Moylan, W C Meyers
Affiliations
Review

Toothbrush swallowing

A D Kirk et al. Arch Surg. 1988 Mar.

Abstract

We encountered four cases of toothbrush swallowing and reviewed the literature on this subject. A total of 31 toothbrushes within the gastrointestinal tract have been reported. None have passed spontaneously. Several have caused significant complications related to pressure necrosis, including gastritis, mucosal tears, and perforation. The recommended treatment is endoscopic retrieval and postoperative monitoring for 24 hours in case of esophageal or gastric injury.

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