吞劍報告

估唔到一份咁重要又嚴肅既醫學期刊，會有一個咁有趣既研究報告。莫非英國好多人吞劍？

Sword swallowing and its side effects.
BMJ. 2006 Dec 23;333(7582):1285-7.

Witcombe B, Meyer D.
Department of Radiology, Gloucestershire Royal NHS

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.