It is time for a new wire BBQ brush?

A recent article coauthored by Mid North Coast Local Health District staff member Rafael Gaszynski, reports an unusual case of an injury from a barbecue wire bristle. 

Gaszynski, R. and K. J. Zhu (2018). "Summer danger: penetrating pancreatic injury from barbecue wire bristle." ANZ Journal of Surgery 88(12): 1354-1355.

The patient presented to emergency 4 times over a 7 day period, he had no significant history but had eaten fish about 7 days earlier. When reviewed he was found to be dehydrated, lethargic and had deranged liver function tests. No abnormalities were found using ultrasound and x-ray. A CT scan was conducted on admission due to persistent pain. A foreign object was found in the duodenum extending into the adjacent pancreatic neck. A surgical consult was sought and the patient was taken for a gastroscopy.

A black needle like foreign object was found and removed. It measured 20mm by 1mm and was consistent with a barbecue wire brush bristle.

A US study found that about 1700 people visited emergency rooms each year due to swallowing bristles! This however, is the first report of pancreatic injury from a barbecue wire bristle.

Ewww - Source: Grillmax.com

With summer fast approaching and the Aussie Barbie in frequent use it is an optimal time to highlight the dangers of BBQ wire brushes which clinicians and the public should be aware of. Patients with persistent abdominal symptoms post barbecue consumption should have a CT scan if at first basic imaging is non-diagnostic.

Basically the problem is that bristles can break off your brush and get into the food you're cooking. Look after your wire barbie brushes people! Don't let it get old and disgusting like the one above! Get a new one every year. It's better to pay for a new one now than pay later... Check your barbie before you cook to ensure that there are no foreign objects on the cooking surface. Maybe go to the barbecue shop and seek alternative options to try?

Thanks for the awesome article Rafael - anyone wanting to read the full article?
MNCLHD employees can request here.

Have a great summer and happy barbecuing!