Usually, if something gets into the food pipe or stomach, it is taken out through surgery. But with the help of advanced technology, doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi saved a patient from major surgery. In a complicated case, doctors saved the patient from major surgery by successfully removing a denture stuck in the food pipe with the help of endoscopic technique and laser. m
The patient had reached the hospital complaining of difficulty in breathing and severe pain in the throat. Investigation revealed that she had accidentally swallowed her denture, which had become stuck in the cricopharynx area, just below the junction of the food pipe and windpipe. Due to this, the patient was having difficulty in swallowing and severe chest pain. Imaging tests revealed that the denture was firmly stuck in place and the sharp metal clips could have damaged the esophagus. Describing the case as challenging, Dr. Anil Arora, Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreatobiliary Sciences (ILGPS) said that this was one of the most difficult cases we have come across.
There was a risk of serious injury in removing it by traditional methods.
Dr. Arora said that when initial efforts were not successful, doctors adopted advanced techniques. Under endoscopic guidance, with the help of a laser beam, the denture was cut into small pieces inside the food pipe, so that it could be safely separated. After this, a protective overtube was inserted in the upper food pipe, through which each part was carefully taken out while keeping the tissue safe from sharp pieces.
Help taken from laser technology
Describing the procedure, Dr. Srihari Anikhindi, Consultant Gastroenterology, said that with the help of laser it was possible to safely cut and remove the denture. The overtube provided protection to the alimentary canal, so that the procedure could be completed without open surgery. According to doctors, with this advanced technology the patient could be saved from the risks and complications of major surgery.