Ingested Foreign Bodies

Content below is from a textbook reference chapter (Sabiston Ch50 - Diverticular Disease & Miscellaneous Problems), not primary literature.

Ingested foreign bodies, which can lead to subsequent perforation or obstruction of the GI tract, are swallowed, usually accidentally, by children or adults. These include glass and metal fragments, pins, needles, toothpicks, fish bones, coins, whistles, toys, and broken razor blades (Fig. 50.47). Intentional ingestion of foreign bodies is sometimes seen in the prison population and those with a psychiatric illness.

Treatment

For most patients, treatment is observation, to permit safe passage of these objects through the intestinal tract. If the object is radiopaque, progress can be followed by serial abdominal films. Cathartic agents are contraindicated. Sharp pointed objects such as needles, razor blades, or fish bones may penetrate the bowel wall. If abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, or leukocytosis occurs, immediate laparotomy and surgical removal of the offending object(s) is indicated. Laparotomy is also required for intestinal obstruction.

Open items / gaps

• No primary literature yet in the wiki on ingested foreign bodies — entirely textbook-reference-derived.