Two rare cases of endoscopic extraction of foreign bodies from the stomach and duodenum

This is the report of two cases of successful endoscopic foreign body extraction from the gastrointestinal tract. The first case describes the extraction of 18 objects from the stomach and duodenum of an insane patient done 6 months ago. The second case presents a patient with a prior bile duct operation in whom a transpapillary drain had been left behind 8 years ago. The authors suggest a number of recommendations concerning easier and safer technique of endoscopy. Roentgeno-endoscopic diagnostic localization of foreign bodies and choice of active or temporizing tactics is given special attention. Detailed description of foreign body extraction and further treatment of patients is given. In conclusion the authors suggest that endoscopy should be more often used after operations to reveal and remove possible iatrogenic foreign bodies from the gastrointestinal tract.