A routine meal turned into a medical emergency when a man accidentally swallowed his denture, which became lodged deep inside his food pipe (esophagus). Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, successfully removed the foreign body using a laser-assisted endoscopic technique, thereby avoiding the need for major surgery.
Patient Arrives in Severe Distress
The patient, a 45-year-old vegetable seller from Rampur near Moradabad, arrived at the hospital with severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and breathing distress.
Doctors immediately conducted diagnostic scans, which revealed that the dental plate was stuck at the cricopharynx, a highly sensitive junction between the esophagus and the windpipe (trachea).
Because this region is narrow and rigid, foreign objects often become impacted here. Moreover, the denture’s sharp metallic clasps posed a significant risk of tearing the esophageal lining, making the situation potentially life-threatening.
Rare and Complex Foreign Body Case
According to Dr. Anil Arora, Chairman, Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreaticobiliary Sciences at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, the case presented exceptional difficulty.
“This was one of the most challenging foreign bodies we have encountered,” Dr. Arora said. “Conventional removal tools such as forceps or snares could have caused serious injury to the esophagus.”
Why Swallowed Foreign Bodies Can Be Dangerous
Doctors explained that foreign bodies such as coins, dentures, button batteries, pins, fish bones, or meat bones cannot be digested and may not pass naturally through the digestive tract.
In fact, sharp objects can injure or perforate the gastrointestinal tract, while certain items may accidentally enter the airway, leading to breathing complications or severe lung infections. Therefore, immediate medical attention is essential when such incidents occur.
Endoscopy Confirms Denture Firmly Lodged
In this case, the patient was unable to swallow or expel the denture. Doctors performed an endoscopic examination, which confirmed that the dental plate was firmly lodged in the esophagus.
Because of the risk of severe tissue injury, the medical team determined that standard removal techniques were unsafe.
Doctors Use Laser-Assisted Endoscopic Technique
After initial attempts to retrieve the denture failed, the medical team adopted a laser-assisted endoscopic approach.
Using a precision laser under endoscopic guidance, the doctors carefully fragmented the denture into smaller pieces inside the esophagus. Subsequently, they deployed a protective overtube to shield the inner lining of the esophagus while removing each fragment in a controlled manner.
“The laser enabled precise fragmentation of the denture, while the overtube protected the esophageal lining from the sharp edges,” explained Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi, Consultant Gastroenterologist. “This approach helped us avoid open surgery, which carries higher risks and requires longer recovery.”
Advanced Laser Technology Ensures Precision
As reported by TOI, the laser used in the procedure relied on a focused high-energy beam, often powered by a holmium source, which allows doctors to break down hard foreign bodies with high precision.
Importantly, this technology enabled the team to fragment the denture without damaging surrounding tissues. As a result, doctors avoided serious complications such as airway obstruction, esophageal perforation, or deep neck infections.
Doctors Urge Early Medical Attention
Doctors emphasised that hospitals frequently encounter foreign bodies such as fish bones, chicken bones, dentures, and even broken toothbrush fragments.
However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to preventing complications.
Patient Recovers Without Complications
Thanks to the advanced minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, the denture was successfully removed without the need for open surgery.
The patient recovered without complications, turning what could have been a life-threatening emergency into a successful example of innovative, minimally invasive medical care, doctors said.