Sword swallowing and its side effects

BMJ 2006;333:1285
Published 21 December 2006
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39027.676690.55

Brian Witcombe, consultant radiologist [1], Dan Meyer, executive director [2]

[1] Department of Radiology, Gloucestershire Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester GL1 3NN
[2] Sword Swallowers' Association International, 3729 Belle Oaks Drive, Antioch, Tennessee 37013, USA

Objective

To evaluate information on the practice and associated ill effects of sword swallowing.

Design

Letters sent to sword swallowers requesting information on technique and complications.

Setting

Membership lists of the Sword Swallowers' Association International.

Participants

110 sword swallowers from 16 countries.

Results

We had information from 46 sword swallowers. Major complications are more likely when the swallower is distracted or swallows multiple or unusual swords or when previous injury is present. Perforations mainly involve the oesophagus and usually have a good prognosis. Sore throats are common, particularly while the skill is being learnt or when performances are too frequent. Major gastrointestinal bleeding sometimes occurs, and occasional chest pains tend to be treated without medical advice. Sword swallowers without healthcare coverage expose themselves to financial as well as physical risk.

Conclusions

Sword swallowers run a higher risk of injury when they are distracted or adding embellishments to their performance, but injured performers have a better prognosis than patients who suffer iatrogenic perforation.

http://www.bmj.com/content/333/7582/1285