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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Oct 16, 2014; 6(10): 475-481
Published online Oct 16, 2014. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i10.475
Endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract: A review
Choichi Sugawa, Hiromi Ono, Mona Taleb, Charles E Lucas
Choichi Sugawa, Hiromi Ono, Mona Taleb, Charles E Lucas, The Michael and Marian Ilitch, Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Hiromi Ono, Department of Internal Medicine, Seiwa Memorial Hospital, Sapporo 063-0811, Japan
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the literature search, study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, writing, tables, and figures.
Correspondence to: Choichi Sugawa, MD, The Michael and Marian Ilitch, Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, 4201 St Antoine, 6C-UHC, Detroit, MI 48201, United States. choichisugawa@msn.com
Telephone: +1-313-5775013 Fax: +1-313-5775310
Received: July 1, 2014
Revised: August 7, 2014
Accepted: September 6, 2014
Published online: October 16, 2014
Processing time: 108 Days and 12.9 Hours
Abstract

Foreign body ingestion is a common condition, especially among children who represent 80% of these emergencies. The most frequently ingested foreign bodies in children are coins, toys, magnets and batteries. Most foreign body ingestions in adults occur while eating, leading to either bone or meat bolus impaction. Flexible endoscopy is the therapeutic method of choice for relieving food impaction and removing true foreign bodies with a success rate of over 95% and with minimal complications. This review describes a comprehensive approach towards patients presenting with foreign body ingestion. Recommendations are based on a review of the literature and extensive personal experience.

Keywords: Foreign body; Endoscopic management; Esophageal stricture; Food bolus impaction; True foreign body

Core tip: It is vitally important for physicians to recognize the current and most common types of upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies presented today. Knowledge regarding the modern advanced methods and techniques available when treating patients with foreign bodies will keep the success rate of recovery above 96%.