07.07.2026 14:01
In Istanbul, 21-year-old S.B. accidentally swallowed a 13-centimeter toothbrush while trying to induce vomiting for weight loss. The brush was removed from her stomach through a minimally invasive surgery at the hospital. The doctor emphasized that people should not try their own methods in such situations.
A 13-centimeter toothbrush swallowed by a woman living in Istanbul while trying to induce vomiting to lose weight was removed from her stomach through a small incision.
21-year-old S.B., living in Istanbul, accidentally swallowed a toothbrush while trying to induce vomiting to lose weight. After eating and feeling unwell, S.B. was taken by relatives to Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Education and Research Hospital.
After initial emergency care, S.B. was referred to the hospital's endoscopy service. A team led by General Surgery Specialist Dr. Kubilay Özgür Öztütüncü performed the approximately 40-minute small incision procedure to remove the 13-centimeter toothbrush from the woman's stomach.
"WE DIDN'T INTENTIONALLY TRY TO REMOVE IT WITH ENDOSCOPY"
Öztütüncü told AA reporter that the patient came to the hospital in the evening after swallowing the toothbrush.
Stating that they were surprised at first, Öztütüncü said, "Initially we couldn't believe how a 13-centimeter toothbrush could be swallowed. We took a CT scan. She had broken the tip and swallowed about a 13-centimeter toothbrush. Actually, it wasn't swallowing. While trying to induce vomiting, it accidentally went into the stomach."
Öztütüncü emphasized that they did not choose the endoscopic method to remove the foreign object, "We didn't intentionally try to remove it with endoscopy. We took her directly to surgery to avoid tearing the stomach or esophagus. After about half an hour of surgery, we admitted her to the ward. We discharged her two days later. She is doing very well."
Kubilay Özgür Öztütüncü noted that swallowing the toothbrush did not cause any damage to the patient's organs.
"PATIENTS WHO SWALLOW FOREIGN OBJECTS SHOULD NOT TRY TO REMOVE THEM THEMSELVES"
Öztütüncü, stating that the patient accidentally swallowed the toothbrush while trying to induce vomiting, said, "After lifting her head, I guess while trying, she directly swallowed it. She broke the plastic handle part and swallowed the 13-centimeter piece. She was trying to induce vomiting to lose weight, apparently. She had done this several times before. The last time was unfortunate. Unfortunately, she swallowed the toothbrush. That's why she had surgery."
Öztütüncü noted that they occasionally encounter similar cases of foreign object swallowing and emphasized that citizens should not try their own methods in such situations.
"PEOPLE GENERALLY INDUCE VOMITING FOR WEIGHT LOSS"
Drawing attention to the fact that patients trying to remove a foreign object by drinking water or eating bread can lead to more serious consequences, Öztütüncü said, "We encounter such cases frequently. Our expectation from our patients is that if they notice any discomfort or problem, they should consult a physician. Trying to handle it on their own can lead to different and worse outcomes."
Öztütüncü added, "People generally try to induce vomiting for weight loss. We definitely do not recommend this. If they have weight problems, we advise them to consult a doctor. Also, patients who swallow foreign objects should not try to remove them themselves. Trying to remove them by drinking water, eating food, or bread can cause other issues. In such a case, we recommend they go directly to the emergency department of a teaching and research hospital."