Endoscopic management of duodenal perforation caused by foreign bodies in adults: A retrospective study

Duodenal perforation caused by foreign bodies (FBs) is very rare but is an urgent emergency that traditionally requires surgical intervention. Several case reports have reported the successful endoscopic removal of duodenal perforating FBs. Here we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management of duodenal perforating FBs in adults.

Between October 2004 and October 2022, 12,851 patients with endoscopically diagnosed gastrointestinal FBs from four tertiary hospitals in China were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were enrolled if they were endoscopically and/or radiographically diagnosed with duodenal perforating FBs.

The incidence of duodenal total FBs and perforating FBs was 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Thirty-four patients were enrolled. Endoscopic removal was achieved in 25 patients (73.5%), and nine patients (26.5%) received surgery. For the endoscopic group, most perforating FBs were located in the duodenal bulb (36.0%) and descending part (28.0%). The adverse events included 3 mucosal injuries and 1 localized peritonitis. All patients were cured after conventional treatment. In the surgical group, most FBs were lodged in the descending part (55.6%). One patient developed localized peritonitis and one patient died of multiple organ failure. The significant features of FBs requiring surgery included FB over 10 cm, both sides perforation, multiple perforating FBs and massive pus overflow.

Endoscopic removal of duodenal perforating FBs is safe and effective, and can be the first choice of treatment for experienced endoscopists. Surgical intervention may be required for patients with FBs over 10 cm, both sides perforation, multiple perforating FBs, or severe infections.