gastrointestinal disorders
Overview of Foreign Bodies in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Introduction
A variety of foreign bodies may enter the gastrointestinal (GI) tract intentionally or accidentally. Many foreign bodies pass through the GI tract spontaneously, but some become impacted, causing symptoms and sometimes complications. The role of imaging in the management of foreign body ingestion is not standardized. Nearly all impacted objects can be removed endoscopically, but surgery is occasionally necessary. Timing of endoscopy varies depending on the type of foreign body ingested. Foreign bodies in the GI tract may be Esophageal Foreign Bodies None Gastric and Intestinal Foreign Bodies (including Gastric and Intestinal Foreign Bodies None Rectal Foreign Bodies None The majority of foreign body ingestions occur in children. Deliberate and recurrent foreign body ingestion is described more commonly among prison inmates and psychiatric patients. Denture wearers, older people, and inebriated people are prone to accidentally swallowing inadequately masticated food (particularly meat), which may become impacted in the esophagus. Smugglers who swallow drug-filled balloons, vials, or packages to escape detection (see Body Packing and Body Stuffing ) may develop intestinal obstruction. The packaging may rupture, leading to drug overdose. Thecommon complicationsof foreign body ingestion include Intestinal Obstruction None Acute Perforation of the Gastrointestinal Tract None Ulceration Overview of Gastrointestinal Bleeding None Fistula formation Bacteremia None 