Eighty percent of ingested foreign bodies which reach to stomach will pass uneventfully
through the gastrointestinal tract. The remainer may cause obstruction, perforation
or hemorrhage. The risk of complications is increased with long sharp metal objects
and animal bones, and may be higher in patients with adhesions due to prior abdominal
surgery. Pre-existing intestinal disease such as Crohn's or intestinal stenosis may
predispose to complications. The use of overtubes has made endoscopic removal of sharp
objects safer. In patients at increased risk for complications, we recommend early
endoscopic retrieval of ingested foreign objects.
Foreign body ingestion - Management
