Accidental Lung Intrusion: Dentures Removed in Rare Procedure

Unusual Medical Incident Unfolds in Andhra Pradesh

INDIA: In a startling medical case from Visakhapatnam, a 52-year-old man underwent a complex medical procedure after accidentally swallowing his dentures during sleep. The incident, reported by LatestLy on December 15, 2024, highlights an uncommon medical challenge that required specialized intervention.

Background of the Dental Mishap

According to the report, the patient had been using fixed dentures for several years. Over time, the dental set reportedly became loose, leading to the accidental ingestion during sleep. The dentures found their way into the patient’s airway and became lodged in his right lung, creating a potential medical emergency.

Medical Assessment and Diagnostic Procedure

Dr. CH Bharat, a consultant interventional pulmonologist at KIMS ICON Hospital, provided crucial insights into the case. “The man did not experience any breathing difficulties as his left lung and parts of the right lung were functioning normally,” Dr. Bharat explained. However, the presence of the foreign object triggered persistent coughing, ultimately prompting the patient to seek medical attention.

Successful Medical Intervention

Hospital medical professionals conducted preliminary diagnostic imaging, including X-ray and CT scans, which confirmed the dentures’ precise location in the lung. The medical team opted for a bronchoscopy procedure performed under general anesthesia to remove the foreign object.

The procedure carried inherent risks of potential lung or airway injury. Despite these challenges, the medical team successfully removed the dentures with minimal complications, demonstrating advanced medical expertise in handling such unusual cases.

This incident serves as a remarkable reminder of the unexpected medical challenges that can arise from seemingly routine dental appliances and the importance of proper dental care and fitting.