Foreign Body Ingestion
Causes, Symptoms & Emergency Surgical Management
Advanced Emergency & Endoscopic Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is Foreign Body Ingestion?
Foreign body ingestion occurs when a non-food object is accidentally or intentionally swallowed and becomes lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
While many objects pass naturally, some can cause obstruction, perforation, or life-threatening complications.
Commonly Ingested Foreign Bodies
✔ Coins
✔ Bones (fish/chicken)
✔ Batteries (button cells – highly dangerous)
✔ Dentures
✔ Pins, needles, nails
✔ Toys or small plastic objects
Who Is at Risk?
✔ Children (most common)
✔ Elderly patients with dentures
✔ Psychiatric patients
✔ Alcohol-intoxicated individuals
✔ Prison inmates (intentional ingestion)
Symptoms of Foreign Body Ingestion
Symptoms depend on location and size of object.
✔ Difficulty swallowing
✔ Drooling or choking sensation
✔ Chest or throat pain
✔ Vomiting
✔ Abdominal pain
✔ Blood in saliva or stools
Emergency Warning Signs
✔ Severe chest or abdominal pain
✔ Difficulty breathing
✔ Persistent vomiting
✔ Fever
✔ Signs of bowel obstruction
Button battery ingestion is an absolute emergency.
Complications If Not Treated
✔ Esophageal perforation
✔ Intestinal obstruction
✔ Bleeding
✔ Infection and sepsis
✔ Bowel perforation
Sharp objects carry higher risk.
Diagnosis
✔ X-ray neck, chest, or abdomen
✔ CT scan (non-radiopaque objects)
✔ Endoscopy (diagnostic & therapeutic)
Treatment Options
Conservative Management
✔ Observation if object is small and smooth
✔ Serial X-rays
✔ Stool monitoring
Used only when safe.
Endoscopic Removal
✔ Flexible endoscopy
✔ Non-surgical
✔ Daycare procedure
✔ High success rate
First-line treatment in most cases.
Surgical Intervention
✔ Required for perforation or obstruction
✔ Laparoscopic or open surgery
✔ Removal of foreign body
✔ Repair of damaged bowel
Emergency surgery saves life.
Recovery After Treatment
✔ Short hospital stay
✔ Soft diet initially
✔ Antibiotics if required
✔ Follow-up endoscopy if needed
Prevention Tips
✔ Keep small objects away from children
✔ Avoid talking or laughing while eating
✔ Proper denture fitting
✔ Mental health support where needed
Emergency Care for Foreign Body Ingestion in Thane
Facilities include:
✔ Emergency endoscopy
✔ 24×7 surgical team
✔ Advanced imaging
✔ ICU backup
Prompt care prevents complications.
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Expertise in emergency endoscopy & GI surgery
✔ Minimally invasive approach
✔ Patient-centric treatment
✔ High safety standards
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
