Accidental ingestion of foreign objects is a common occurrence, particularly in children, but can also affect adults. While some small, blunt objects may pass naturally, others can become lodged in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms, complications, or even life-threatening emergencies. **Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal**, performed by Dr. Neeraj Dhar, is an essential endoscopic procedure for safely extracting these objects.

What is Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal?

This procedure involves using an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light—to visualize and remove ingested foreign objects from the esophagus, stomach, or in some cases, the small intestine. The goal is to retrieve the object efficiently and safely, preventing further injury or complications.

When is Foreign Body Removal Necessary? (Indications)

Immediate endoscopic removal is often required for objects that pose a high risk of complications, including:

• Sharp or Pointed Objects: Such as bones, toothpicks, pins, or needles, which can cause perforation or laceration.
• Button Batteries: These are highly dangerous, especially when lodged in the esophagus, as they can cause rapid and severe tissue damage (corrosion) and perforation.
• Magnets: Multiple magnets, or a magnet and a metallic object, can attract each other across bowel loops, leading to pressure necrosis, perforation, and fistula formation.
• Large Objects: Items too large to pass naturally, causing obstruction or impaction.
• Food Impaction: When a bolus of food gets stuck, usually in the esophagus, causing severe discomfort and inability to swallow.
• Objects Causing Symptoms: Pain, difficulty swallowing, drooling, vomiting, or signs of bleeding.
• Cocaine Packets/Drug Smuggling: For potentially toxic substances.

The urgency and approach depend on the type of object, its location, and the patient's symptoms.

How is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure is typically performed in an endoscopy suite under conscious sedation or, for more complex or pediatric cases, general anesthesia.

1. Preparation: The patient will be positioned comfortably. Local anesthetic spray may be used for the throat, and sedation administered intravenously.
2. Endoscope Insertion: The endoscope is carefully inserted through the mouth and advanced to the area where the foreign body is located.
3. Visualization & Retrieval: Dr. Dhar will visualize the object. Various endoscopic tools, such as grasping forceps, retrieval nets, snares, baskets, or overtubes, are then passed through the endoscope to grasp the foreign body.
4. Careful Extraction: The object is then carefully withdrawn, often with the endoscope, making sure to protect the lining of the digestive tract from injury during extraction. An overtube (a protective sleeve) may be used, especially for sharp objects, to prevent esophageal damage during withdrawal.
5. Post-Removal Check: After removal, the area is re-examined to check for any injury, perforation, or bleeding caused by the foreign body or the extraction process.

Recovery and Post-Procedure Care:

• Patients are monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.
• Mild discomfort in the throat or abdomen is common and usually resolves quickly.
• Instructions on diet and activities will be provided.
• Patients are advised to watch for any signs of complications such as severe pain, fever, or bleeding and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Why Choose Dr. Neeraj Dhar for Foreign Body Removal?

Dr. Neeraj Dhar is a highly skilled gastroenterologist specializing in advanced endoscopic interventions, including the safe and effective removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies. His extensive experience, precision, and access to state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment ensure that even complex or urgently required removals are handled with the utmost care. Dr. Dhar's expertise minimizes risks and optimizes patient outcomes in these often challenging situations.

If you or someone you know has swallowed a foreign object, especially a dangerous one like a button battery or sharp item, immediate medical attention is crucial. Contact Dr. Neeraj Dhar for urgent evaluation and management.