Unusual Case of Upper Abdominal Pain from Toothpick Ingestion
Author Information
Author(s): Monika Lanthaler, Thomas Grissmann, Lukas Schwentner, Hermann Nehoda
Primary Institution: Innsbruck Medical University Hospital
Hypothesis
Can toothpick ingestion lead to serious abdominal complications?
Conclusion
Toothpick ingestion can cause gastric perforation and subsequent liver abscess formation, which may require surgical intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- Toothpick ingestion is a rare cause of upper abdominal pain.
- The patient developed a liver abscess after initial treatment.
- Endoscopic removal of the toothpick provided immediate pain relief.
- Subsequent complications required further treatment and surgery.
Takeaway
A man accidentally swallowed a toothpick, which caused pain and led to serious health issues, but he got better after treatment.
Methodology
The case involved endoscopic removal of the toothpick, followed by monitoring and treatment of complications with antibiotics and surgery.
Limitations
The case is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
38-year-old male, healthy, white Caucasian.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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