Simple endoscopic technique for retrieving a long foreign body from the stomach

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures

Background:

• Foreign body ingestion is common, with long objects like spoons posing removal challenges.
• Long foreign bodies can T-bone at the gastroesophageal junction, complicating endoscopic extraction.
• Surgical intervention is often considered for difficult-to-remove gastric foreign bodies.

Observation:

• A young woman ingested a spoon, presenting a unique endoscopic challenge.
• The spoon lodged in the upper gastrointestinal tract, creating a T-boning obstruction.
• Standard endoscopic removal techniques were difficult due to the foreign body's size and position.

Findings:

• A single-channel gastroscope, snare, and operating table repositioning were employed.
• This combination of techniques facilitated the successful extraction of the retained spoon.
• The foreign body was removed without the need for surgical intervention.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates a new technique for managing retained gastric foreign bodies.
• The described method may help endoscopists avoid laparotomy in similar situations.
• This approach offers a less invasive option for complex foreign body removal.