What Should Be Done After Swallowing The Tip Of A Ceramic Knife?

Posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I may have swallowed the tip of a ceramic knife which broke off. No symptoms now but worried....

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: X-ray test needed.... Detailed Answer: Hi, More than 75% swallowed foreign substance pass out without any serious troubles. However if the object is really sharp as in your case there is a risk of internal injuries such as intestinal laceration / perforation. Ideally I would like you to be monitored at the hospital if this object is lodged within your gut. Though you are asymptomatic now, I insist that you visit the nearest ER. The doctor can perform an X-ray test which will both confirm presence of this object and its location within your intestines. You will be able to take an informed decision better after discussing the X-ray findings. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar