Overview of Foreign Bodies in the Gastrointestinal Tract

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.

Gastrointestinal Myths

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Foreign bodies in the GI tract may be:

• Esophageal

• Gastric (including bezoars)

• Intestinal

• Rectal

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 (1). Patients who wear dentures, are older, or are under the influence of alcohol are prone to accidentally swallowing inadequately masticated food (particularly meat), which may become impacted in the esophagus. People who swallow drug-filled balloons, vials, or packages to escape detection while smuggling (see Body Packing and Body Stuffing) may develop intestinal obstruction. The packaging may rupture, leading to drug overdose.

Foreign Body in the Gastrointestinal Tract (Radiograph)

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This radiograph shows a coin that was swallowed by a young child.

DU CANE MEDICAL IMAGING LTD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The common complications of foreign body ingestion include the following:

• GI obstruction

• Perforation

• Ulceration

• Bleeding

• Fistula formation

• Bacteremia