Management of ingested foreign bodies in upper gastrointestinal tract: report on 170 patients

Ingestion of foreign bodies (FB) is commonly encountered in gastrointestinal practice.

Retrospective analysis of data on endoscopic removal of FB in 170 patients (124 children) who were managed at a tertiary referral center over a six-year period.

Coins were the most common FB removed (n=134). Dentures (12), food boluses (19), sharp objects such as needles and pins (7), and certain unusual FB (12) made up the remainder. Esophagus was the most common site of FB lodgement (56%). Most patients with esophageal FB complained of FB sensation, dysphagia, odynophagia or chest pain. Gastric and duodenal FB produced no symptoms. FB could be successfully removed endoscopically in 166 patients (97.6%) without morbidity or mortality. Four patients required surgical removal of FB. Certain Innovative methods like loop basket, electrocautery and suction retrieval were used to remove some FB.

Endoscopic removal of FB in the esophagus and stomach is safe but often requires the use of innovative techniques and accessories.