Denture Lodged in Esophagus: Laser Removal Saves Patient

A patient was rushed to the hospital with critical symptoms including severe respiratory distress, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing. The individual had accidentally ingested a denture that became lodged in the upper esophagus, perilously close to the junction of the food pipe and windpipe. This posed a significant risk due to the metallic clasps potentially tearing the esophageal lining.

Facing a highly challenging case, the medical team determined conventional removal methods were too risky. They successfully employed an alternative endoscopic approach. Under precise guidance, a laser beam was used to carefully fragment the impacted denture into smaller, manageable pieces within the esophagus.

Following the fragmentation, a protective overtube was inserted to shield the esophageal tissues from the sharp edges of the broken denture. Each fragment was then extracted safely. This laser-assisted technique enabled the foreign body's removal without resorting to open surgery, a procedure that carries considerable risks.