Endoscopic removal of a large foreign body retained in the duodenum: A case report

This study aimed to present the case of a patient in whom a chopstick, which had been in the duodenum for 10 years, was finally removed by endoscopy. This case was reported because of the long-time retention and noninvasive removal by endoscopy without sedation or complication.

A 30-year-old male patient with intermittent upper abdominal pain.

During upper-gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, a long-strip foreign body (Fb) was seen in the descending part of the duodenum. An upper-GI barium examination was performed, which revealed a linear Fb in the duodenum cavity. The Fb was >10-cm long. Combined with his history (the patient admitted swallowing a chopstick 10 years ago in a bet), the diagnosis of Fb in the duodenum was confirmed.

The Fb was removed from the duodenum cavity by upper-GI endoscopy successfully.

The patient was discharged after the removal of the Fb.

Endoscopic removal and nonoperative management might be feasible in carefully selected patients with a long and old Fb in the duodenum without the need for anesthesia or surgery as well as no occurrence of complications and laceration.