Ingested foreign bodies of the gastrointestinal tract

Seven case reports of ingested foreign bodies are presented. Although ingestion of foreign bodies may be a frequent occurrence, 80 per cent of documented ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously. The most frequent victims of foreign body ingestion are children, denture-wearing adults, and the mentally ill. Most foreign bodies are best managed by "intelligent neglect". Some require surgical removal because of perforation hemorrhage or obstruction. The ileocecal region is the most common site for perforation. Close observation for signs of perforation, hemorrhage, and/or obstruction is mandatory.