Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi have successfully used advanced laser technology to remove a dental plate stuck in a patient’s esophagus. This medical breakthrough marks a shift from invasive surgeries to precise endoscopic procedures for foreign body emergencies. The team led by Prof. Anil Arora and Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi avoided a major surgery by vaporizing the stuck object directly inside the food pipe on April 3, 2026.
How did the medical team remove the stuck denture?
The medical professionals used a holmium laser to fragment the acrylic dental plate into smaller pieces. By using specific settings of 9.6W, a frequency of 8Hz, and 1200mJ energy, the team safely broke down the foreign body. An overtube was employed to protect the normal esophagus from sharp edges during the extraction process. This precise approach allowed the fragments to be removed without resorting to open surgery, which typically involves higher risks and longer recovery times.
Key details regarding the medical breakthrough and team
- Hospital: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
- Medical Experts: Prof. Anil Arora (Chairman, ILGPS) and Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi
- Technology: Holmium laser for fragmentation
- Procedure Date: Reported on April 3, 2026
- Patient Case: Accidental swallowing of a denture lodged in the upper esophagus
Traditional methods like foreign body forceps or polypectomy snares were considered high risk for this specific case. Prof. Anil Arora noted that this was one of the most difficult foreign bodies they have encountered. The successful use of laser technology offers a safer alternative for patients in Delhi. While specific costs for this procedure were not detailed, the Indian medical laser market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach over USD 64 million by the year 2030.
