[Foreign bodies of gastrointestinal tract]

153 patients with swallowed foreign bodies in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were treated for the last 10 years (1988-1997). In 85 (55.5%) cases foreign bodies (FB) were swallowed by psychopathic persons, in 45 (29.4%)--with the aim of mutilation, in 23 (15.0%)--due to carelessness. In 105 (68.63%) patients the foreign bodies were single, in 48 (31.37%) there were multiple foreign bodies of GIT. In 73 (47.71%) cases FB were found in the stomach. Clinical picture in patients with swallowed FB was variable. Dynamic roentgenological examination together with thorough anamnesis is the most important diagnostic tool in this pathology. The indications for urgent surgical treatment were sticking of the FB, peritonitis, gastro-duodenal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction. Elective surgery was used in patients with sticked F.B., with multiple FB, which formed conglomerates, as well as in single FB. with the length over 12-15 cm. Active expectant policy is valid FB of GIT with tendency for passage, due to conservative treatment.