Endoscopic Extraction of Foreign Bodies from the Duodenum: Four Cases in Infancy

Abstract

Four cases of foreign bodies in the duodenum were treated using a flexible fibre-optic panendoscope. All the patients were boys and eight months to four years of age. The ingested foreign materials were an injection needle, a marking pin, a hairpin and a curtain hook. Endoscopic extraction was attempted, because the ingested objects might cause perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Until recently, they had to be carefully watched or prophylactic operation suggested. Under general anaesthesia, duodenal endoscopy was easily performed and extraction of foreign bodies was not found to be difficult during infancy. This is considered to be a safer and less hazardous way than careful watching or prophylactic operation.

Duodenal perforation because of swallowed ballpoint pen and its laparoscopic management: report of a case

“…When a potentially harmful foreign body (sharp objects, button batteries, or toxic objects) is observed in the duodenum, it should be removed endoscopically as soon as possible to prevent development of complications [3]. There have been some reports concerning migration of metallic sharp objects to adjacent organs such as the liver, resulting in fever of unknown origin or a liver abscess [4].…”