Perforation of the Hepatic Flexure of Colon by an Ingested Toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A Foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract is a common clinical problem seen in all age groups and rarely produces symptoms. However, the foreign bodies should be removed if they produce symptoms or remain in the gastrointestinal tract. A 31-year-old man with schizophrenia ingested a 20-cm-sized toothbrush. It passed through the ileocecal valve and penetrated the hepatic flexure of the colon and liver. It was removed successfully by using a surgical procedure. We report this unusual case of colonic perforation by an ingested toothbrush and review the related literature.