19-Year-Old Suffers Bizarre Beer Pong Injury Requiring Surgery

A game of beer pong led to a 19-year-old man accidentally swallowing a bottle cap, requiring emergency medical intervention.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 19-year-old man was brought to the hospital with severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and abnormal breathing after a game of beer pong. X-rays revealed he had unknowingly swallowed a bottle cap that had fallen into his drink during the game. Doctors had to perform emergency surgery to remove the cap, as it posed a risk of damage or perforation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential dangers of high-risk drinking behaviors, especially among young adults. Accidental foreign object ingestion is a common issue that can lead to serious medical complications if not treated promptly.

The details

During a game of beer pong, a bottle cap fell into the 19-year-old's drink. He unknowingly swallowed the cap, which became lodged in his upper esophagus. Despite having a stable airway, doctors had to perform an emergency rigid esophagoscopy to surgically remove the cap due to the risk of damage or perforation.

  • The incident occurred an hour before the 19-year-old arrived at the emergency room.

The players

19-year-old man

The patient who accidentally swallowed a bottle cap during a game of beer pong.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of caution and safety during high-risk drinking activities, as well as the need for prompt medical attention if a foreign object is accidentally swallowed. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of seemingly harmless drinking games.