Outcome of uncommon intestinal foreign bodies in pediatrics

Abstract

Background: Foreign body (FB) ingestion in children is very common. Children can ingest a wide variety of Foreign Bodies. Most FBs pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract. Other FBs, especially uncommonly ingested objects, can present with complications and need intervention to be extracted. The aim of the study was to highlight the importance of closed observation, proper investigation, and timely intervention for uncommon gastrointestinal FBs. Methods: This was a prospective study, conducted at pediatric surgery department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals, between November 2020 and September 2022, that included all patients who presented to our department with variously ingested FBs, were prospectively evaluated to detect those who needed surgical intervention to extract these FBs. Results: During the specified time period, 86 patients with FB ingestion presented to our hospital. Out of these children, four patients ingested uncommon FBs, presented with symptoms of complications, and needed intervention to extract these FBs. One patient swallowed magnet tools; two patient’s swallowed toothpicks; and one patient swallowed a needle with a necklace, which was impacted in the small bowel and surgically removed. Conclusions: Children who ingest uncommon FBs are more likely to present with complications of impaction or perforation. Negative plain films are not sufficient to conclude conservative treatment especially for radiolucent FBs. CT should be done to rule out retained and radiolucent foreign bodies; closed observation and timely intervention are mandated to avoid serious complications.