A Rare Medical Marvel: Chinese Man’s 52-Year Toothbrush Ordeal

In a medical case that has astonished doctors and captivated global audiences, a 64-year-old man from Anhui province, China, had a 17 cm toothbrush removed from his small intestine, where it had been lodged for 52 years. The man, surnamed Yang, accidentally swallowed the toothbrush at age 12 but kept the incident a secret, believing it would dissolve naturally. This extraordinary case underscores the human body’s remarkable resilience, the latent dangers of foreign objects, and the critical role of timely medical intervention.

Background of the Case

Patient Profile: Yang, a 64-year-old resident of Anhui province in eastern China, experienced an unusual incident in his childhood that remained hidden for over five decades.

Initial Incident: At age 12, Yang accidentally swallowed a toothbrush while playing. Fearing harsh repercussions from his parents, he chose not to disclose the incident. He assumed the toothbrush would either break down in his stomach or pass through his digestive system naturally.

Long-Term Effects: Remarkably, Yang lived without significant symptoms for 52 years, unaware that the toothbrush remained lodged in his small intestine. This prolonged asymptomatic period highlights the body’s ability to adapt to foreign objects in certain rare circumstances.

Discovery and Medical Intervention

Symptoms Prompting Action: Yang began experiencing a strange sensation and discomfort in his stomach, which led him to seek medical attention at a local hospital in Anhui province.

Diagnostic Findings: Imaging scans revealed a 17 cm toothbrush lodged in a bend of his small intestine, having remained stationary for decades without causing harm.

Surgical Procedure: An 80-minute endoscopic surgery was performed to extract the toothbrush successfully. No major damage was reported, and hospital officials confirmed the object as one of the longest removed from a patient’s digestive tract in three years.

Key Medical Details

Comparative Cases

In 2024, doctors in Sichuan removed a 15 cm super glue tube from a woman’s digestive system. She had similarly swallowed the object and believed it would pass. These cases highlight the need for prompt medical attention.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The case has gone viral on social media. One user commented, “How lucky is he to survive with a toothbrush for five decades?” Others empathized with Yang’s silence, citing childhood fears and strict parenting in that era. Some added humor, recalling their own childhood misconceptions about swallowing objects.

Implications for Public Health

This incident stresses the need for educational outreach about the risks of foreign object ingestion. Doctors advise that even if no symptoms are present, medical evaluation is essential. Psychological barriers like fear of punishment should be addressed through open parent-child communication.

Conclusion

Yang’s 52-year ordeal with a toothbrush lodged in his body is a rare medical marvel. While the outcome was positive, the case underscores the importance of early disclosure, medical screening, and parental support. It stands as both a triumph of medical intervention and a cautionary tale for health vigilance.

Sources and Citations

• Chinese man, 64, swallowed toothbrush at 12, finds it stuck in his intestine, needs surgery
• Chinese man finds toothbrush in intestine 52 years after swallowing it as a child
• Toothbrush in intestine: Rare surgery helps doctors remove item after 52 years