title: Toothpick injuries to the gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by toothpicks is an uncommon but well described occurrence. Five cases treated by the authors over the past 5 years are described. This series emphasizes the fact that plain abdominal and chest radiology is unhelpful in establishing the diagnosis. Risk factors identified are the wearing of dentures and previous abdominal surgery.
authors.affiliation: Colo-rectal Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged