Endoscopic foreign body retrieval through a gastrostomy feeding orifice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Medical Device Management

Background:

• Elderly, bedridden patients with feeding gastrostomy tubes are at risk for foreign body ingestion.
• Swallowed dental prosthetics can cause significant gastrointestinal complications.

Observation:

• A 90-year-old female patient with a feeding gastrostomy tube accidentally swallowed her dental bridge during a coughing spell.
• The dental bridge was visualized and lodged within the stomach during upper endoscopy.

Findings:

• The dental bridge was successfully retrieved using Kelly clamps inserted through the existing feeding gastrostomy orifice.
• Direct endoscopic visualization guided the safe removal of the foreign body.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates a novel and effective endoscopic retrieval method for swallowed dental prosthetics.
• The technique highlights the utility of feeding gastrostomy tubes as access points for managing upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
• This approach may reduce the need for more invasive surgical interventions in select patient populations.