An unusual etiology of acute intestinal occlusion: The swallowed missing dentures a case reports and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Denture swallowing is an uncommon incident. However, it should be suspected in edentulous elderly patients who wear removable dentures which are poorly cared for and maintain. The existence of neuro-psychiatric disorders may contribute to the occurrence of this adverse event.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 85-years-old woman admitted to emergency with acute intestinal occlusion. The investigations concluded that the bowel was obstructed by a foreign body blocked in the terminal ileum. There was a high suspicion that his dental prosthesis had been swallowed. Removal of the dental prosthesis was achieved surgically after laparotomy.

DISCUSSION

Foreign bodies in the esophagus could be responsible of a variety of symptoms, including dysphagia, airway obstruction and even perforation. In the gastrointestinal tract foreign bodies may be responsible of fewer specific symptoms, including abdominal pain, melena or perforation. The blockage will occur in anatomical strictures. At the most appropriate situations, removal should be performed through endoscopy, although in case of failure of procedure or complication, surgery will be unavoidable.

CONCLUSION

Ingestion of a dental or other foreign object is a clinical condition that is more common in pediatric populations, but is very rare in healthy individuals. Denture swallowing is insidious in itself and may lead to a complicated course, if not properly managed. Although most of these can be conservative, careful monitoring is necessary to avoid such adverse event.

Attitudes Toward Physical Activity According to Weight Status Among Schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia

AIM

To investigate differences in attitude toward physical activity in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2009/2010. It concerned randomly selected schoolchildren of colleges of Sousse in seventh and ninth grade. The sample was composed of 4003 schoolchildren. A questionnaire was used to evaluate habits and perception of physical activity, and we took anthropometric measurements of height and weight.

RESULTS

Among schoolchildren who performed a recommended level of physical activity, there was no significant difference in perceptions according to weight status. However, among those who did not practice physical activity, obese participants had significantly less positive perception. Overweight and obesity significantly increase the risk of negative perception of physical activity practice among participants who do not do the recommended level of physical activity. However, this association becomes non significant among those who practice recommended level of physical activity. The same findings were observed after adjustment by age and sex.

CONCLUSION

Negative attitudes among inactive children may favor the development of a vicious circle perpetuating physical inactivity among normal-weight and overweight children.