Woman in Cao Bang suffered a perforated small intestine due to a post-meal mistake many Vietnamese people make

Cao Bang General Hospital has just received and successfully operated on a case of peritonitis suspected to be caused by a perforated hollow organ. During the surgery, doctors discovered a perforated small intestine caused by a bamboo toothpick. This is a dangerous cause but is often overlooked in daily life.

A 65-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain, bloating, and signs of peritonitis. After examination and imaging, the doctor indicated surgery. During the surgery, the surgical team discovered a hole in the small intestine caused by a sharp bamboo toothpick, leading to peritonitis. This is a dangerous and life-threatening complication.

After treatment, the patient is now stable and continues to be treated at the General Surgery Department, Cao Bang General Hospital. The doctor said that this is a warning bell about a seemingly harmless habit that can have serious consequences.

According to doctors, accidentally swallowing bamboo toothpicks is not uncommon, especially in the elderly who have the habit of holding toothpicks in their mouths after eating. When swallowed, toothpicks can: Get stuck in the digestive tract, causing intestinal obstruction; puncture the intestines, causing peritonitis, abdominal infection, and even septic shock; penetrate other organs, causing serious complications.

Through the above patient case, doctors warn: absolutely do not use toothpicks after eating, especially before sleeping or while working. Replace with dental floss, specialized soft toothpicks for safer oral hygiene.

If you have signs of unusual abdominal pain, high fever, vomiting, poor digestion, especially after suspecting that you swallowed a toothpick, you should go to the hospital immediately for examination.