Dental Prothesis Found in the Jejuno (7 of 9)

The most common cause of GI foreign bodies in adults
involves food that does not pass through the esophagus
because of underlying mechanical problems. In adults,
accidental swallowing involves toothpicks, dentures, and
other objects. Psychiatric patients may swallow a wide
variety of objects, including multiple objects, large objects,
and bizarre items. Prisoners may swallow objects either to
hide them from authorities or to seek medical care. In the
case of razor blades, they often tape the sharp edge to
avoid injury. People who smuggle drugs may swallow
multiple condoms (usually double wrapped) filled with
cocaine or heroin. This is called "body packing," as
opposed to "stuffing," which occurs when the patient
attempts to elude arrest by swallowing packets of drugs in
their possession.