Gastrointestinal foreign bodies and strictures: radiologic interventions

Food impaction and foreign body ingestion are significant and sometimes life-threatening medical problems. As described in part 1 of this monograph, a variety of techniques and instruments are available to diagnose and treat these conditions. The radiologist interested in interventional procedures can find ample opportunities to participate in the management of esophageal obstructions by applying radiographic and fluoroscopic techniques to the diagnosis and removal of foreign bodies and food impactions. The recommended radiologic procedures are relatively safe, cost-effective, and efficient methods of addressing these serious situations. Stricture formation in the gastrointestinal tract is another significant medical problem that can often be managed nonoperatively by the radiologist. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation has become an accepted method of effectively treating a large variety of strictures. As described in part 2 of this article, the technique is easy to perform, usually with very little inconvenience to the patient, and the risks of complications are very low. The procedure is relatively inexpensive and does not require the acquisition of any specialized or high-technology equipment. Also, the technique can be performed easily by any radiologist with interest in interventional procedures on the gut. A wide use of the fluoroscopic methods for treatment of impacted foreign bodies and strictures of the gastrointestinal tract is recommended.