Gastrointestinal foreign bodies. When to remove them, when to watch and wait

By being aware of which patients are at high risk for ingestion or insertion of foreign bodies, physicians can be on the lookout for objects in the gastrointestinal tract and ready to institute initial care. Esophageal foreign bodies and other objects that increase the chance of perforation or obstruction may require urgent endoscopic or surgical removal. Other objects may be expelled on their own. Identification of those that require early intervention is the key to successful management.