公益財団法人田附興風会 医学研究所北野病院

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Ingestion of a foreign body (gastrointestinal foreign body)

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What is accidental ingestion?

"Accidental ingestion" refers to accidentally swallowing something other than food. Common examples include coins and button batteries.

What are the symptoms?

If the foreign body remains in the esophagus, it will cause obstruction to the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow food and water. If the foreign body falls into the stomach, there will be no particular symptoms.

Coin lodged in the esophagus

I need to get it out quickly.
What if I can't?

  • If a foreign object remains in the esophagus, it must be removed quickly as it can cause esophageal obstruction. Also, if a hard foreign object remains in the esophagus for a long time, it can damage the esophageal wall.
  • A foreign object with a sharp tip.
  • Button batteries can leak internal fluid and cause serious damage to the digestive tract, so if one is in the esophagus or stomach, it generally needs to be removed as an emergency measure.

*Lithium batteries are extremely dangerous

Button battery in the stomach

How do you take it out?

If the foreign body is in the esophagus, it will be removed using a balloon catheter while watching the X-ray. If it still cannot be removed, or if the foreign body is in the stomach, it will be removed using a gastroscope. Gastroscopes for children are performed under general anesthesia.

Foreign objects that have passed beyond the stomach and into the small intestine cannot be reached with a gastroscope, so we carefully wait for them to come out the anus.

*If a foreign object gets stuck in the intestine or if a hole forms in the intestine, emergency surgery will be required.

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