What is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal?
Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal is a specialised procedure used to safely remove an object that has become lodged in the esophagus or stomach using an endoscope, often without the need for surgery.
Both children and adults may accidentally swallow coins, bones, pieces of food, dental materials, batteries, sharp objects, or other foreign bodies. Depending on the type and location of the object and the patient’s symptoms, the doctor may recommend urgent endoscopic assessment and removal.
Some Foreign Bodies Require Prompt Removal
Not every swallowed object carries the same risk. However, certain objects can cause injury, bleeding, perforation, obstruction, or other serious complications in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract.
Button Battery
A button battery lodged in the esophagus can cause severe tissue injury and requires urgent medical assessment and removal.
Sharp Object
Bones, pins, sharp metal objects, or other pointed items may injure the gastrointestinal wall and increase the risk of perforation.
Food Bolus Impaction
A large piece of food lodged in the esophagus may cause difficulty swallowing, inability to swallow saliva, or significant chest discomfort.
Symptoms That Need Prompt Medical Assessment
Seek prompt medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop after swallowing or possibly swallowing a foreign object.
How is the Foreign Body Removed?
The doctor selects the safest endoscopic device and removal technique according to the patient’s condition and the type, size, shape, and location of the foreign body.
Clinical Assessment
The doctor assesses the symptoms, the type of object swallowed, when it was swallowed, and any relevant imaging when required.
Endoscopic Examination
An endoscope is used to directly identify the location of the object within the esophagus or stomach.
Appropriate Device Selection
A grasper, retrieval net, snare, or another specialised endoscopic accessory may be selected depending on the object.
Safe Removal & Recheck
After removal, the area is examined again for injury, bleeding, perforation, or other complications.
What Should You Do Before the Procedure?
If foreign body ingestion is suspected, do not try to induce vomiting or remove the object at home. Seek medical care promptly. If possible, avoid eating or drinking until you receive medical advice, and tell the doctor what was swallowed, when it happened, and about any medicines or medical conditions that may be relevant.
Sedation or Anaesthesia May Be Required
Whether sedation or anaesthesia is needed depends on the patient’s age, the type and location of the object, the complexity of the procedure, airway considerations, and the patient’s overall clinical condition. The medical team will choose the safest and most appropriate approach.
What to Expect After Foreign Body Removal
After successful removal, some patients may go home after a short period of observation. If there has been injury or another complication, additional monitoring, investigation, or treatment may be required.
Temporary Throat Discomfort
Mild throat discomfort, bloating, or belching may occur after an Upper GIT Endoscopy and usually settles quickly.
Food & Drinks
Your doctor will advise when you can safely restart food and fluids based on any injury, sedation, and the procedure performed.
Follow-Up
If a stricture, ulcer, inflammation, or another underlying condition is identified, further investigation or treatment may be recommended.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop severe or worsening chest or abdominal pain, fever, breathing difficulty, vomiting blood, black stools, dizziness, significant weakness, or other concerning symptoms after the procedure.
Do Not Delay When a Foreign Body May Be Lodged
Not every swallowed object causes a serious problem, but identifying what was swallowed and where it is located is important. When removal is needed, endoscopic treatment can often retrieve the object safely without surgery. Prompt assessment is especially important for high-risk objects and patients who cannot swallow normally.