Endoscopic Management of Foreign Bodies in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

The majority of foreign body (FB) ingestions occur in children. In adults, accidental FB ingestion tends to be food (meat) bolus. Non-food FB ingestions occur more in denture users, incarcerated individuals, and patients with psychiatric disorders or alcohol intoxication. The majority of the ingested FBs will pass spontaneously. Once through the esophagus, most FBs including sharp objects pass uneventfully. Sharp or pointed FBs, animal or fish bones, and magnets increase the risk of perforation. Emergent endoscopy is indicated in: (1) esophageal obstruction when the patient is unable to swallow secretions and (2) disk batteries and sharp-pointed FBs in the esophagus. In general, esophageal FBs and food impactions without complete obstruction should be removed within 24 h (urgent endoscopy). This video manuscript describes general principles, devices, and techniques in endoscopic management of ingested FBs. Several clinical scenarios are presented. This article is part of an expert video encyclopedia.