Oesophageal-impacted denture requiring open surgery

Chua YKD, See JY, Ti TK
Correspondence:  Dr Dennis Chua Y K, dennis.chua.yk@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
The successful removal of impacted denture in the oesophagus in a patient is reported, with a review of the literature. A 36-year-old Malay man complained of dysphagia after swallowing his denture. Following unsuccessful attempts at removal via a rigid oesophagoscope, open surgery was performed. Without further delay, the impacted denture was removed by cervical oesophagotomy, and the patient recovered uneventfully. Oesophageal foreign bodies are usually removed by endoscopy. However, in situations where this appears potentially hazardous, such as with impacted denture, open surgical extraction that is promptly performed is a safe option.

Keywords: cervical oesophagostomy, dentures, foreign body, oesophagoscopy
Singapore Med J 2006; 47(9): 820-821