Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

10.9K

Sharp-Pointed Foreign Body Ingestion in Pediatric Age

Paolo Quitadamo1, Ilaria Battagliere2, Margherita Del Bene2

  • 1From the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Epatology Unit, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|November 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sharp or pointed foreign body ingestion is common in children, with metal and glass being frequent culprits. While endoscopic removal can be challenging in about 5% of cases, no surgical interventions were needed in this pediatric study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Accidental Ingestion
  • Foreign Body Management

Background:

  • Ingestion of sharp or pointed foreign bodies (FBs) presents a significant clinical challenge in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric FB ingestions is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate clinical complications associated with sharp/pointed FB ingestion in children.
  • To determine the incidence of sharp/pointed FB ingestions among all FB ingestions in pediatric patients.
  • To describe the features and clinical presentation of children who ingested sharp/pointed FBs.

Main Methods:

  • A consecutive series of pediatric patients (0-14 years) admitted for sharp/pointed FB ingestion were recruited.
  • Clinical data, including endoscopic removal or radiological follow-up for spontaneous expulsion, were recorded until hospital discharge.
  • Outcomes focused on prolonged retention and intestinal perforation during passage.

Main Results:

  • 580 children were enrolled; metal (46.55%) and glass (31%) fragments were the most common sharp/pointed FBs.
  • Endoscopic removal was performed in 13.6% of cases; the remaining FBs passed spontaneously within a mean of 29 hours.
  • No intestinal perforations or prolonged retentions were observed; endoscopic removal was difficult in 4.6% of procedures due to FB shape/size.

Conclusions:

  • Accidental ingestion of sharp/pointed FBs is a prevalent issue in pediatric age, particularly in toddlers.
  • Metal and glass objects are frequently ingested FBs, and their endoscopic retrieval can be challenging in a small percentage of cases.
  • Importantly, no surgical interventions were required in this pediatric cohort, highlighting the generally favorable outcomes with appropriate management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

17.7K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors03:05

Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors

Published on: February 16, 2024

1.1K

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
156
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
906
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
131
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
426
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
240
Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow01:24

Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow

The Barium Swallow Study, or a Barium Esophagogram, is a diagnostic imaging method used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It employs barium sulfate, a radiopaque contrast material, to provide clear images of the upper digestive system, helping to identify abnormalities, diseases, or structural issues.
Purpose and Procedure
Patients undergoing this procedure ingest a liquid containing barium sulfate with a chalky...
747