Managing Ingested Sharp Objects During Dental Procedures
Author Information
Author(s): Dhandapani Ramyia G, Kumar Susim, O'Donnell Mark E, McNaboe Ted, Cranley Brian, Blake Geoff
Primary Institution: Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, Northern Ireland, UK
Conclusion
Conservative management is effective for ingested sharp foreign bodies that have passed through the pylorus, while urgent endoscopic retrieval is necessary for those suspected to be in the oesophagus.
Supporting Evidence
- Ninety percent of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully.
- Endodontic files have been reported to pass out through the gastrointestinal system within 3 days without incident.
- Approximately 10% of ingested foreign bodies necessitate endoscopic removal.
Takeaway
If someone accidentally swallows a sharp object during a dental procedure, doctors can often help them without surgery, but they need to keep a close watch to make sure it doesn't cause problems.
Methodology
The case involved conservative management with regular observations and serial abdominal X-rays.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, which may not represent broader trends.
Participant Demographics
A 36-year-old man.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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