Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Laparoscopic management of complicated foreign body ingestion: a case series
Daryl K A Chia1, Ramesh Wijaya, Andrew Wong
1Department of Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
Abstract:
This study aims to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic management of complicated foreign body (FB) ingestion in a series of 5 patients. We present the merits of a minimally-invasive approach in this clinical setting from our series as well as published case reports. FB ingestion is occasionally complicated by abscess formation or perforation, requiring surgical intervention. Anecdotal reports of such cases managed by laparoscopic surgery have alluded to its merits over the conventional approach of open surgery. Over an 18-month period, 5 of 256 patients with FB ingestion at our unit were managed by laparoscopic surgery. Clinical and operative data were collected for this study. In all 5 cases, patients could not recall their FB ingestion and had normal plain radiographs. The diagnosis was made on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Laparoscopy was successfully employed to retrieve all FBs (fish bones), deroof abscesses, and primarily repair gastrointestinal perforations. The mean operative time was 69 minutes (55-85), utilizing 2 to 4 noncamera ports. There was no operative mortality and patients were discharged on average postoperative day (POD) 5 (2-8). Laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible in small-diameter, complicated FB ingestion requiring surgical intervention and should be considered in similar patients.
Insights
Laparoscopic surgery safely and effectively manages complicated foreign body ingestion, including abscesses and perforations. This minimally-invasive approach offers a feasible alternative to open surgery for select patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Endoscopy
Background:
- Foreign body (FB) ingestion can lead to serious complications like abscess formation or perforation, necessitating surgical intervention.
- While open surgery is traditional, laparoscopic approaches are increasingly explored for their potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic management for complicated foreign body ingestion.
- To highlight the advantages of minimally invasive surgery in this clinical context.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 5 patients with complicated FB ingestion managed laparoscopically over 18 months.
- Data collected included clinical and operative details, focusing on diagnostic imaging (CT scan) and laparoscopic procedures.
Main Results:
- Laparoscopy was successfully used to retrieve fish bones, manage abscesses, and repair gastrointestinal perforations in all 5 cases.
- Mean operative time was 69 minutes, with no operative mortality and an average postoperative hospital stay of 5 days.
Conclusions:
- Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible option for managing small-diameter, complicated foreign body ingestion.
- This minimally invasive technique should be considered for patients requiring surgical intervention for FB ingestion.
