[Incidence of foreign bodies in endoscopic emergencies]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical problem, particularly in children and the elderly.
• The upper digestive tract is the most frequent site for foreign body impaction.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of foreign bodies in the upper digestive tract.
• To compare foreign body ingestion patterns between adult and pediatric populations.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic removal procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 617 cases of upper digestive tract foreign bodies treated between 1981, 1988, and 1989.
• Data collection included patient demographics, foreign body type and location, clinical symptoms, and treatment outcomes.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and differences between age groups.

Main Results:

• A total of 617 foreign bodies were analyzed, with 541 in adults and 76 in children.
• Impacted food was the most common foreign body in adults, whereas coins were most frequent in children.
• Dysphagia and foreign body sensation were primary symptoms in adults; witnessed ingestion was common in children. The most frequent location in adults was Killian's recess, and in children, the stomach.
• Successful removal was achieved in 96% of adults and 100% of children, with a mild complication rate of 0.55% and no serious complications.

Conclusions:

• Foreign body ingestion in the upper digestive tract presents differently in adults and children.
• Endoscopic removal is a safe and highly effective treatment modality for upper digestive tract foreign bodies in both populations.
• Awareness of age-specific foreign body types and locations can aid in prompt diagnosis and management.