Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 04, 2018
  • Author: David W Munter, MD, MBA; Chief Editor: Steven C Dronen, MD, FAAEM  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the pathophysiology of injuries caused by gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What are the most common causes of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body ingestion in children?

What are the most common causes of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body ingestion in adults?

What is the prevalence of foreign body ingestion in the US?

What is the global prevalence of foreign body ingestion?

Which patient groups are at highest risk for foreign body ingestion?

What are the mortality rates associated with gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body ingestion?

What are the possible complications of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies in the oropharynx?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies in the esophagus?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies in the stomach or small intestine?

What is included in the physical exam for evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

DDX

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of suspected gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What are important considerations in the workup of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What are the differential diagnoses for Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of imaging studies in the evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of radiography in the workup of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of barium swallow in the workup of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of metal detectors in the workup of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of endoscopy in the emergent management of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

Treatment

What is included in prehospital care for gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the approach to treatment of suspected gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body in the ED?

How are patients in unstable condition with gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies treated in ED?

How are patients in stable condition with gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies treated in ED?

How are radiographically localize radiopaque objects in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract treated?

How are non-opaque foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract treated?

How are button batteries in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract treated?

How are smooth foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract treated?

How are body packed drugs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract managed?

What is the role of Foley catheter removal in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of bougienage in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of Magill forceps in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the role of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the average cost for treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

How should gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies with a negative workup be managed?

How are coins in the esophagus treated?

How are magnets in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract treated?

What is the treatment for ingested bubble packaging for medications?

What is the ED care for razor blades in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?

When are patients with gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies considered to be in an unstable condition?

When is referral to an ENT indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

When is referral to a gastroenterologist indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

What is the medical care for body packed drugs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract?

What is included in the long-term monitoring for patients following gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body removal?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies?

Which medications in the drug class Gastrointestinal agents are used in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies?