Predictors of Recurrent Ingestion of Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Risk factors for recurrent ingestion of foreign bodies were male sex, being incarcerated and the presence of a psychiatric disorder.

Ingestion of foreign bodies among prisoners: a ten years retrospective study at University Hospital of Southern Italy

“…Surgery was necessary only in one pt (5,9%) and that is a very low rate compared to international literature that reports 15-30%. Also in our database, surgery is related to escalation in number of items ingested and associated to higher morbidity, significant healthcare and security costs (8). Prison population have risen significantly during the last decade and, at the moment, we don't know the financial impact of this problem on healthcare costs.…”

Uncommon cause for ileocolic fistulation and caecal perforation following multiple magnet ingestion in an adult

“…However, psychiatric illness remains a significant risk factor for foreign body ingestion and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for this even in the adult age group [1]. Abdominal X-ray was not performed in view of the potential clinical diagnosis of appendicitis.…”

A razor blade in the gastrointestinal system

“…Swallowing foreign objects has been linked with secondary gain in convicts and psychiatric patients [4]. Male gender is an independent factor for this abnormality [6]. Many cases have been reported in patients with schizophrenia [4].…”