Foreign Body Moves Retrograde through Ileocecal Valve during Colonoscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Ingestion of foreign bodies, particularly button and cylindrical batteries, is a frequent occurrence in both children and adults, often associated with underlying psychiatric disorders.
• This case highlights the challenges in managing foreign body ingestion in patients with complex psychiatric conditions.

Observation:

• A 30-year-old woman with borderline personality disorder underwent endoscopic removal of six batteries (four button, two cylindrical) from her digestive tract.
• During a colonoscopy, a large cylindrical battery (15mm x 43mm) was observed moving retrograde through the ileocecal valve into the terminal ileum.

Findings:

• The foreign body was successfully and safely retrieved from the terminal ileum using an endoscopic loop.
• This demonstrates the effectiveness of endoscopic intervention even in challenging anatomical locations.

Implications:

• The findings suggest that endoscopic examination of the terminal ileum should be considered during colonoscopies for foreign body removal.
• This proactive approach can manage unexpected retrograde migration of large foreign bodies, improving patient outcomes.