Wait, What? Man had a toothbrush in his body for 52 years!

In a bizarre real-life twist that has stunned doctors and amused social media users, a 64-year-old man from China’s Anhui province recently discovered the unimaginable: a toothbrush he accidentally swallowed as a child was still inside his body—52 years later. 

The astonishing case, reported by the South China Morning Post, has gone viral, leaving netizens both shocked and fascinated.

A Childhood Mistake Buried Deep

The man, identified by his surname Yang, was just 12 years old when he accidentally swallowed the toothbrush. Fearing punishment, he kept it a secret from his parents and chose not to seek medical help. 

“I thought it would break down in my stomach or somehow disappear,” he told doctors.
To his surprise, he experienced no serious symptoms for over five decades.

A Painful Reminder After 52 Years

Yang visited a local hospital after he started to experience discomfort in his. Later, scans revealed a shocking sight—a 17-centimetre-long toothbrush lodged deep in his small intestine. Miraculously, the object was still intact.

Doctors immediately scheduled an endoscopic procedure, which lasted around 80 minutes. The operation was successful, and the toothbrush was removed successfully without any complications.

Doctors Warn of the Hidden Dangers

Dr Zhou, who was part of the surgical team, warned that foreign objects like toothbrushes can pose life-threatening risks over the time, including internal bleeding, intestinal perforation, and even death.

A Case That Left Everyone Speechless

The story has since sparked viral reactions online, with users expressing disbelief and curiosity. One thing’s for sure: this is one childhood secret that literally stayed with him for a lifetime.