Overtube-Assisted Foreign Body Removal: A Review of Endoscopic Management and Case Illustration

The ingestion of foreign bodies is a common medical emergency seen in both adults and children. In children, the most commonly ingested foreign bodies include coins, toys, magnets, and batteries. In adults, food bolus impaction represents the most common cause of foreign body ingestion. The majority of foreign bodies pass spontaneously. Sharp or pointed objects increase the risk of perforation. Emergent endoscopic intervention is indicated in cases of esophageal obstruction, ingestion of disk batteries, and sharp pointed objects in the esophagus. Flexible endoscopy is the therapeutic method of choice for removing foreign bodies. It is preferred due to its high success rate and low risk for complications. Additionally, the use of an overtube provides gastric and esophageal protection from mucosal laceration. We present a 27-year-old male who ingested six razor blades and a curtain hook and review endoscopic management.