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Updated: May 17, 2026
04:55
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
A neglected foreign body in the oesophagus
Summary
Foreign body ingestion in children is an emergency. A delayed diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body in a child led to a 6-year delay before treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial for minimizing complications.
- Neglected foreign bodies can lead to significant long-term issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a foreign body retained in the esophagus for an extended period.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing neglected esophageal foreign bodies in children.
- To emphasize the importance of considering prolonged foreign body retention in pediatric patients with persistent symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a pediatric patient with a neglected esophageal foreign body.
- Review of diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies employed.
- Discussion of the clinical presentation and management challenges.
Main Results:
- A foreign body was retained in the esophagus of a child for six years.
- Diagnosis was significantly delayed due to the chronic nature of the presentation.
- Successful removal of the foreign body and resolution of symptoms were achieved.
Conclusions:
- Delayed diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies in children can occur.
- Persistent gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms in children should prompt investigation for retained foreign bodies.
- Prompt management of foreign body ingestion is essential to prevent long-term complications.
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