gastrointestinal disorders
Gastric and Intestinal Foreign Bodies
Introduction
A variety of swallowed objects can become lodged in the stomach or intestines. Some foreign bodies cause obstruction or perforation. Diagnosis is made by imaging or endoscopy. Some foreign bodies can be removed endoscopically. (See also Overview of Foreign Bodies in the Gastrointestinal Tract .) 1% require surgery. Thus, conservative management is appropriate for most blunt objects in asymptomatic patients. However, objects > 6 cm in length or objects > 2.5 cm in diameter rarely pass through the stomach ( General reference ). Ingested drug packages (see Body Packing and Body Stuffing ) are of great concern because of the risk of leakage and consequent drug overdose. Packages can also cause mechanical obstruction. 