Sunny morning, Mr. N.M.T. (48 years old, residing in Tây Ninh province) woke up with discomfort in his throat accompanied by difficulty swallowing and pain in his neck. After examining his mouth, he discovered that his dentures were missing. Worried that he might have swallowed them, Mr. T. was quickly taken to the hospital for emergency care.
Dentures Stuck in Esophagus: A Dangerous Incident
Through examination and cervical X-rays, doctors confirmed that Mr. T.’s dentures were lodged in his esophagus, posing a risk of injury or perforation if not treated promptly. The endoscopy team swiftly performed a procedure to remove the foreign object without causing additional harm.
Doctors are conducting an endoscopy to remove the foreign object from the patient’s esophagus.
Mr. T.’s health stabilized immediately after the procedure, and he was discharged on the same day. Dr. Ngô Hùng Trí, Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department, warned that swallowing dentures is no longer an uncommon accident. People who have been using removable dentures for a long time are especially prone to looseness or accidental falls.
To prevent this risk, doctors recommend removing dentures before sleeping, having them checked every six months, and replacing them if they are damaged or no longer fit properly. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly also significantly reduces the likelihood of such incidents.
Complex Bone Fractures from Falling While Picking Tamarinds
At the same time near Tet, Mrs. N.T.L. (60 years old, from Long An) suffered a serious accident while climbing a tree to pick tamarinds. As she descended from a height of about 2 meters, she slipped and hit a metal bar hard, resulting in severe pain in her right leg and back.
At the hospital, a CT scan revealed that Mrs. L. had a complex fracture at the lower end of both tibia, femur, and patella. Orthopedic microsurgery specialists convened and decided on a surgery to fix the fractures using screws under C-Arm fluoroscopic guidance.
X-ray images revealing the complex fractures in the patient’s bones.
After three hours of surgery, the surgeons successfully cleaned the wound and fixed the broken bones securely. Just three days post-surgery, Mrs. L. experienced significant pain reduction and began regaining mobility. She will be guided through walking and physical therapy to fully recover.
Dr. Lê Tấn Thạnh, Head of the Orthopedic Microsurgery Department, emphasized that screw fixation surgery not only protects the blood vessels around the fractured area but also helps patients heal faster, allowing them to return to normal life sooner.
Nasal Bone Fracture from Decorating for Tet
Another incident occurred when Mr. P. (35 years old) climbed a ladder to hang “Happy New Year” decorations. Unfortunately, he slipped and hit his nose against a table corner. Despite initial first aid, he continued to experience pain and noticed his nose was misaligned.
CT scan results revealing bilateral nasal bone fractures and deviated septum in Mr. P.
After clinical examination and a CT scan, doctors diagnosed Mr. P. with bilateral nasal bone fractures and a deviated septum to the left. After four days of medical treatment to reduce swelling, Mr. P. underwent surgery to reconstruct his nose and correct the septum. Follow-up examinations showed that the bones and septum were back in place with no complications.
Dr. Trần Thị Thúy Hằng, Head of the Otolaryngology Department, warned that the period near Tet is often a time when accidents at work and home are more common. She advises people to be cautious when working at heights or handling sharp objects. If an accident occurs, seek medical help immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion: Preventing Accidents for a Safe Tet
These stories serve as valuable reminders of the importance of caution in daily activities and work, especially during Tet. Always pay attention to personal safety, regularly check medical devices like dentures, and follow preventive measures. If an accident happens, do not hesitate to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Tet season!
