TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — An elderly man was safely treated at the Tagum Medical City Endoscopy Unit after accidentally swallowing a bottle cap, prompting an urgent medical procedure to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
According to the hospital’s Endoscopy Unit, the patient was immediately brought in for a gastroscopy procedure after he reported difficulty swallowing. Medical specialists, led by Dr. Mary Grace Magallen-Evangelista and anesthesiologist Dr. Jethro Palomar, quickly acted to locate and extract the foreign object.
Doctors successfully removed the bottle cap, preventing injuries that could have resulted in severe internal damage or breathing obstruction. The patient is now in stable condition.
The medical team emphasized that swallowing foreign objects is more common than people think and is not limited to coins—small items within households, including caps, buttons, toy parts, or similar objects, can easily be ingested accidentally, especially by children and the elderly.
The Tagum Medical City Endoscopy Unit renewed its reminder to the public:
- Avoid placing non-food objects in or near the mouth.
- Keep small items securely stored, especially around vulnerable family members.
- Seek immediate medical attention if accidental ingestion occurs—delays can lead to serious complications.
Hospital staff also urged families to remain vigilant and maintain a safe home environment to prevent similar incidents in the future.