Successfully endoscopic retrieval of ingested toothpicks in colorectum : a report of four cases

Background: Toothpick ingestion is a rare event, but due to the low efficacy of radiographic examination, it can induce severe complications including perforation, abscess, and sepsis.

Case report: Four patients with either defecation problems or abdominal/anal pain were admitted to our hospital. Colonoscopy showed all four cases had a toothpick impacted in the colorectal wall without perforation. Direct retrieval of the toothpick under endoscopy was achieved. All four patients were relieved and remained well during the follow-up.

Conclusion: Endoscopy is the most effective method to discover or retrieve ingested wooden foreign bodies when there are no severe complications.

Keywords: colorectum, endoscopy, foreign body ingestion, toothpick.