An 81-year-old man from Peru narrowly avoided tragedy after accidentally swallowing his dentures during an epileptic episode. The foreign object, lodged in his throat for four days, caused him pain and breathing difficulties before he sought medical attention.
According to a Reuters report, the patient initially visited a local hospital in December, believing he had expelled the dentures. However, an X-ray revealed the dentures were stuck in his throat. He was then transferred to Sabogal Hospital in Lima for specialized treatment.
Dr. Raul Maurtua, head and neck surgeon at Sabogal Hospital, explained that the medical team used a thin tube to intubate the patient and secure his airway. A gastroenterologist then successfully removed the dentures endoscopically.
The patient was discharged a few days after the procedure and is now recovering well.
