Foreign objects in the stomach and intestines in children, a review of the literature and own clinical observations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/PS.2026.1(90).125136Keywords:
children, foreign objects of the gastrointestinal tract, diagnostics, treatmentAbstract
Ingestion of foreign inedible bodies is a common cause of visits to emergency departments in children, 75% of whom are children under 4 years of age. About 98% of foreign body ingestions are accidental.
Aim - to analyze current literature data and our own clinical observations on foreign objects in the stomach and intestines in children in order to improve diagnostics and choose the optimal treatment tactics.
In the clinical departments over 20 years, 57 patients aged from 1.5 to 17 were treated. Bezoars of the stomach and intestines in 12 (21.05%), of which trichobezoars in 7 (12.28%) and phytobezoars in 5 (8.77%), and were treated surgically. Intestinal magnets in 4 (7.02%), of which single ones in 2 (3.51%) came out naturally, and 2 (3.51%) were operated on. Batteries of the stomach and intestines in 8 (14.04%), of which 3 (5.27%) were removed endoscopically, and 5 (8.77%) came out naturally. Sewing needles in 9 (15.79%) and glass fragments in 4 (7.02%) came out naturally. A rectal balloon (lacquer) in 1 (1.75%) male patient was removed during an anaesthetic examination. Stomach and intestinal coins in 11 (19.30%), of which 1 (1.75%) was removed endoscopically, and 10 (17.54%) passed naturally. Toy fragments in 7 (12.28%) passed naturally. Rubber, glass, straw and cellophane fragments in the intestine in 1 (1.75%) patient were removed surgically against the background of intellectual impairment.
Conclusions. Our own studies showed that in 64.92% of children, foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract were evacuated naturally, while in 35.08% of cases, endoscopic or surgical removal was required. The presence of a history of complaints of swallowing foreign objects, regardless of the manifestations, requires a survey radiography of the chest and abdomen. Foreign objects of the button battery are subject to urgent removal. Two or more magnets that were swallowed not simultaneously are subject to removal without waiting for perforation and peritonitis.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from the children's parents.
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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