A swallowed dental prosthesis causing duodenal obstruction in a patient with schizophrenia: Description of a new technique

Introduction: Foreign body ingestion has been a fundamental subject in the area of emergency surgery. The problem is encountered across all age groups; however, it is more common in the pediatric age group. Foreign body ingestion is rare in adults and usually occurs accidentally or in those with psychiatric problems, behavioral disorders, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, or impaired judgment caused by alcohol use.

Presentation of case: A 33-year-old Caucasian man with chronic schizophrenia was admitted to the emergency department with signs of upper gastrointestinal discomfort as a result of ingestion of a lower dental prosthesis. An abdominal X-ray showed the swallowed dental prosthesis in front of the vertebral column. A technique comprising gastrotomy and duodenal kocherization was used to remove the dental prosthesis; the prosthesis could not be removed endoscopically due to its fixed position on the duodenal wall.

Discussion: Surgery of the duodenum is difficult and carries high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, endoscopy should be the first choice for patients in whom a foreign object is demonstrated to be fixed in the duodenum. In cases where endoscopic extraction fails, surgery should be considered. During surgery, foreign bodies should be removed, paying meticulous attention not to harm the integrity of the duodenum.

Conclusion: The technique presented in this study was performed successfully without any injury to the duodenum.