A 64-Year-Old Man Uncovers a 52-Year-Old Mystery Hidden Inside His Body
In a remarkable medical case from eastern China, a 64-year-old man was astonished to find that a toothbrush had been lodged inside his small intestine for more than five decades. The discovery came only after he started experiencing unusual stomach sensations, prompting him to seek medical help.
The Story Behind the Long-Held Secret
The man, known by his surname Yang, hails from Anhui province. He revealed to doctors that he swallowed the toothbrush accidentally at the age of 12 but never informed his family out of fear. Assuming the foreign object would dissolve naturally, he never pursued medical attention. Until now, Yang had experienced no significant discomfort.
Medical Examination and Procedure
Doctors at a local hospital conducted thorough examinations and were stunned to find a 17-centimeter toothbrush intact and stuck within a bend of Yang’s small intestine. The medical team performed an 80-minute endoscopic surgery to successfully remove the unusual object.
One hospital staff member expressed amazement that Yang felt no symptoms for nearly 50 years, calling it “a miracle.”
The Risks of Foreign Objects in the Intestine
Dr. Zhou, one of the attending physicians, explained that similar foreign bodies can rotate, press, or puncture intestinal walls, potentially causing life-threatening internal injuries. He remarked that Yang was lucky the toothbrush remained relatively stationary in a bowel bend, avoiding serious complications.
Rare But Not Unique Cases
While rare, cases of long-term foreign objects in the digestive system are not unprecedented. Last year, for instance, doctors in Sichuan province extracted a 15-centimeter tube of super glue from a woman who had accidentally swallowed it, mistakenly expecting her body to break it down naturally.
Doctors Emphasize the Importance of Medical Check-Ups
Medical professionals urge people to seek timely examination if unusual symptoms arise. Dr. Zhou highlighted, “Do not assume your body will take care of swallowed objects on its own. Foreign bodies in the digestive tract carry significant risks and should be evaluated by healthcare providers promptly.”
Key takeaways:
- A 64-year-old Chinese man carried a toothbrush in his small intestine for 52 years without major symptoms.
- The toothbrush was successfully removed through an endoscopic procedure.
- Foreign objects pose risks such as punctures and internal injury if left untreated.
- Medical experts emphasize the need for regular health check-ups, especially when experiencing unexplained symptoms.
