Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal

Safe and Expert Removal of Ingested Foreign Objects

What is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal?

Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal is a minimally invasive procedure used to locate and safely remove objects or food that have been accidentally swallowed and become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. This procedure is performed using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, ensuring a precise and effective solution to prevent complications.

At Central Gastro, our experienced team specializes in the quick and safe removal of foreign bodies, minimizing discomfort and preventing further damage to the digestive tract.

Why is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal Needed?

Foreign body ingestion can occur in both children and adults and often requires immediate medical intervention. Common causes include:

• Accidental Swallowing: Coins, food boluses, bones, dentures, and small objects.
• Intentional Ingestion: Ingestion of foreign objects in certain behavioral conditions or psychiatric disorders.
• Food Impaction: Blockage caused by poorly chewed food or esophageal strictures.
• Medical Causes: Conditions like esophageal narrowing, strictures, or motility disorders.

Symptoms of a Foreign Body in the GI Tract

If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediate evaluation and treatment are recommended:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sensation of something stuck in the throat or chest
• Severe chest or abdominal pain
• Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
• Coughing or gagging after swallowing
• Vomiting or nausea
• Blood in saliva or stool (sign of injury or bleeding)

Timely removal is critical to avoid complications such as perforation, infection, or blockage of the digestive tract.

How is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal Performed?

The procedure is performed using a flexible, lighted tube with a camera (endoscope) under sedation to ensure patient comfort and safety.

Steps of the Procedure:

1. Preparation
   • You will be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
   • Sedation or anesthesia is administered to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
2. Procedure
   • The endoscope is carefully inserted through the mouth to visualize the location of the foreign body.
   • Special tools such as forceps, snares, or retrieval baskets** are used to grasp and safely remove the object.
   • For sharp or hazardous objects, protective techniques are used to minimize injury during removal.
3. Recovery
   • The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes.
   • You will be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off, and most patients can return home the same day.

What Types of Foreign Bodies Can Be Removed?

At Central Gastro, we are equipped to safely remove a variety of foreign objects, including:

• Food Boluses: Meat, fish bones, or poorly chewed food.
• Coins and Small Objects: Common in children.
• Dentures or Dental Appliances: Lodged in the esophagus or stomach.
• Sharp Objects: Needles, pins, or bones requiring careful removal.
• Batteries and Magnets: Potentially hazardous items that must be removed immediately.
• Medical Items: Such as dislodged feeding tubes or stents.

Benefits of Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal

• Minimally Invasive: No external incisions required.
• Quick and Safe: Immediate removal with minimal discomfort.
• Prevents Complications: Avoids further damage, infection, or perforation.
• Fast Recovery: Short procedure with minimal downtime.

What to Expect After the Procedure

• Mild throat soreness may occur but typically resolves within a day.
• You will receive specific dietary instructions, depending on your condition.
• Follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor for injury or complications, particularly if the foreign object caused damage.

Why Choose Central Gastro for Foreign Body Removal?

At Central Gastro, we prioritize your safety and comfort with:

• Expert Gastroenterologists: Highly skilled specialists in performing safe and effective endoscopic procedures.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Modern endoscopic tools for precise retrieval of foreign objects.
• Rapid Intervention: Immediate care to prevent complications and ensure quick relief.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you or someone you know has swallowed a foreign object and experiences any of the following:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Severe chest or abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood
• Excessive drooling or inability to swallow