Colonoscopic extraction of foreign bodies from above the rectum

There has been a considerable amount of experience with removal of rectal foreign bodies inserted transanally. Until recently removal of objects above the rectosigmoid junction has required laparotomy. A literature review reveals that since 1975 there have been 29 cases of colonoscopic removal of a variety of objects reported in fourteen publications. The authors have had experience with three cases of retained colonic foreign bodies (greater than 7 days) extracted using the colonoscope. All patients received preprocedure antibiotics and bowel preparation from below. All objects were removed using either the Olympus CF LB3R colonoscope or the Fujinon EVC-M videocolonoscope. The authors conclude that colonoscopic retrieval of foreign bodies is technically feasible, safe, less morbid, and less costly than laparotomy. This technique should be considered as the first step in management of these patients by endoscopic surgeons.