Symptoms of Foreign Body Stuck in GI Tract

Symptoms depend on the location of the object.

Esophagus (Food Pipe)

• Sudden difficulty swallowing
• Feeling something stuck
• Chest discomfort
• Drooling
• Vomiting

Stomach or Intestine

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Fever (if perforation or infection occurs)

Which Patients are at Higher Risk?

• Elderly patients with dentures
• Children
• Psychiatric illness
• Alcohol intoxication
• Patients with esophageal narrowing
• Neurological disorders
• Fast eating habits

Investigations Before Procedure

Doctor may advise:

• X-ray chest/abdomen
• CT scan (for sharp objects or complications)
• Blood tests:
  • CBC
  • RFT
  • PT/INR
• ECG in elderly or high-risk patients

How is Foreign Body Removal Done?

Usually done through Upper GI Endoscopy (OGD scopy).

Procedure Steps

1. Patient is kept fasting
2. IV line is inserted
3. Sedation or anesthesia is given
4. Flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth
5. Object is identified
6. Object is removed using special accessories:
   • Forceps
   • Snare
   • Basket
   • Net retriever
   • Overtube

Procedure Duration: Usually 10–30 minutes.

Is the Procedure Painful?

Usually not painful because:

• Sedation is given
• Throat numbing spray may be used

After the procedure, mild throat irritation may occur temporarily.

Emergency Situations

These conditions need urgent endoscopy within hours:

• Button battery in esophagus
• Sharp objects
• Complete obstruction
• Multiple magnets
• Airway compromise

Complications if Not Removed

Delayed treatment can cause:

• Ulcer formation
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Perforation (hole in intestine or esophagus)
• Mediastinitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Aspiration into lungs

Risks of the Procedure

Foreign body removal is generally safe, but possible risks include:

• Bleeding
• Perforation
• Aspiration
• Sedation-related complications
• Infection

Recovery After Procedure

Most patients:

• Go home the same day
• Can resume liquids after a few hours
• Return to normal activities the next day

Hospital admission may be needed if:

• Complications are present
• Sharp object injury has occurred
• Perforation is suspected
• Surgery is required

When Surgery is Needed?

Surgery may be required if:

• Endoscopic removal fails
• Intestinal perforation occurs
• Object is very large
• Sharp object migrates outside the intestine

Prevention Tips

• Eat slowly
• Avoid talking while eating
• Be careful with fish or chicken bones
• Keep small objects away from children
• Ensure proper denture fitting

When to See a Doctor Immediately?

Seek urgent medical help if:

• Unable to swallow saliva
• Severe chest pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Blood vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever after swallowing an object

Foreign body ingestion can become life-threatening if delayed, especially with batteries, sharp objects, or food pipe obstruction. Early endoscopic removal usually gives excellent recovery.