Foreign Body Ingestion Experience in a Tertiary Hospital

Background Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency that can lead to significant morbidity. Understanding the patterns, management approaches, and outcomes of these cases is crucial for optimal patient care. This study aims to analyze the prevalence, management strategies, outcomes, and associated factors of foreign body ingestion cases in children presenting to the King Saud Medical City over a five-year period. Methods This analytical retrospective chart review study examined medical records of 203 pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) who presented with foreign body ingestion between January 2018 and December 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results The majority of patients were aged 3-5 years (44.3%) and male (59.1%). Coins were the most commonly ingested objects (50.2%), followed by batteries (18.2%). Most foreign bodies were located in the esophagus (61.1%). Endoscopic removal was the primary intervention (70.9%), with a successful removal rate of 81.8%. Playing with small objects (84.7%) and a lack of supervision (75.4%) were the most common risk factors. Complete resolution was achieved in 95% of cases, with 70.4% requiring medical intervention. Conclusions Foreign body ingestion in children shows a favorable prognosis when managed appropriately. Early detection and intervention, primarily through endoscopic removal, lead to successful outcomes. Prevention strategies should focus on parental supervision and limiting access to small objects, particularly in children aged 3-5 years.