Foreign Body Removal

What is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal?
Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes an endoscope to locate and extract foreign objects that have been ingested or become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. It involves careful manipulation and retrieval of the foreign body under direct visualization, avoiding the need for surgery in most cases.

Why is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal Performed?
- Prevention of Complications: Foreign objects in the digestive tract can lead to complications such as perforation, obstruction, or bleeding if left untreated. Removal of these objects mitigates the risk of adverse events and promotes healing.
- Relief of Symptoms: Ingested foreign bodies often cause symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or abdominal discomfort. Removing the foreign object alleviates these symptoms and improves the patient's comfort and well-being.
- Prevention of Infection: Foreign bodies can harbor bacteria or cause irritation to the gastrointestinal lining, increasing the risk of infection or inflammation. Prompt removal reduces the likelihood of infectious complications.

The Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal Procedure
The Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: Patients may receive sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. Numbing medication may also be administered to the throat to minimize discomfort.
- Endoscopic Examination: A flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth and advanced into the esophagus, stomach, or intestines to visualize the location and nature of the foreign body.
- Manipulation and Retrieval: Using specialized instruments passed through the endoscope, the gastroenterologist carefully manipulates the foreign body and extracts it from the digestive tract. Multiple techniques, such as grasping forceps, retrieval baskets, or snares, may be employed based on the size and nature of the object.