Management of Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies with Brief Review of the Guidelines

Abstract

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common health problem that affects children more than adults. According to gastroenterologists’ guidelines, the management of FB ingestion differs slightly between adult and children. This review aimed to compile adult and children guidelines and establish an understandable association to reveal the requirements and timing of the endoscopic procedure, which is the most effective and least complicated technique for gastrointestinal FBs. Coins, pins, and chicken and fish bones have been the most commonly ingested FBs. However, with their increasing use in recent years, large batteries with lithium-ion conversion, stronger magnets composed of rare earth metals, such as neodymium, and superabsorbent objects have become the most morbid and mortal, necessitating new management strategies. Although the approach to gastrointestinal FBs is controversial, with different treatment options available in different disciplines, many studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic procedures. Many factors influence the timing of endoscopy, including the nature, size, and location of the ingested object and the patient’s clinical condition.

A Retrospective Analysis of Foreign Body Ingestions Among the Pediatric Age Group in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…Furthermore, in a study done in Kurdistan, out of 20 patients, 13 required endoscopic intervention [3]. These reports highlight the importance of endoscopic procedures in preventing major complications associated with FBI [15].…”

Current Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Foreign Body in Otorhinolaryngology

“…Flexible endoscopy is the first choice, as it is cost-effective and can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia. On the other hand, rigid endoscopy is superior for extraction of sharp objects and has the benefit of protected airways as it is always performed in general anesthesia [33,34]. They are considered complementary techniques, equally effective for the removal of ingested FBs [35,36].…”

“…This FB gives a characteristic finding on plain radiograph, similar to a coin, but with additional double halo rims. Button batteries are a clear indication for emergent endoscopic extraction [27,34]. The application of oral honey (10 ml every 10 min) prior to extraction has recently been proposed by the National Capital Poison Center in the USA and in an ESPGHAN position paper in Europe, particularly for esophageal foreign bodies.…”

Swallowed Needle Embedded in the Right Kidney for Ten Months in a 4-Year-Old Asymptomatic Child

“…Although most foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract without complications, around 1% of cases may lead to complications such as laceration, obstruction, perforation, or, rarely, penetration to adjacent organs (1). While migratory foreign bodies in the kidney are infrequent, foreign bodies in the kidney can cause infections, hematuria, or the formation of stones (2,3).…”

“…While migratory foreign bodies in the kidney are infrequent, foreign bodies in the kidney can cause infections, hematuria, or the formation of stones (2,3). Although radiography is usually effective in locating radiopaque objects, CT can demonstrate the complications or migration and guide for surgery (1,2).…”