Gastrointestinal system foreign bodies

INTRODUCTION: While foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract are observed more frequently and accidentally in the childhood age group, they may occur to attract attention, sexual satisfaction, self-harming behavior, abuse, secondary gain, or during self-treatment in young people and adults. In the United States, 1500 people die yearly from ingested foreign bodies. The leading cause of mortality is obstruction and perforation due to impaction in the gastrointestinal system. In this study, we evaluated the clinical findings, risk factors, and clinical output data of foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract and presented the most accurate approach considering the literature.
METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study analyzing data from a prospective data-base. Adult patients admitted to the emergency department of our 3rd level university hospital between January 2015 and January 2022 due to foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract were included in the study.
RESULTS: Transanal rectal body removal in the operating room was performed using the Crede maneuver in seven patients. Laparotomy or thoracotomy was performed in nine patients, and thirty-six patients were treated with endoscopic methods. Endoscopy and laparotomy were performed simultaneously in one patient. It was determined that the foreign body of 29 patients was removed by conservative methods.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: For treating of foreign bodies, a multidisciplinary approach, including advanced endoscopic and surgery, is required according to the localization and content of the foreign body, underlying cause and patient population.