Foreign bodies in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Between 1971 and 1990, 70 patients with foreign bodies in the gastro-intestinal tract were admitted to our service. There were 35 children and 35 adults. Foreign bodies were found in the pharynx and the oesophagus in 22 patients, with 1 perforation; and in the stomach and intestines in 27, with 14 perforations. Fifteen foreign bodies were swallowed and defecated, 6 were inserted into the rectum. Coins were found in 8 patients, toys in 3, pins and needles in 6, chicken bones and fish bones in 15, and toothpicks, shaving blades, cutlery, dentures, plastic bag containing cocaine, parts of a foam rubber mattress and other items in the remainder. Foreign bodies retained in the oesophagus must be removed promptly lest obstruction and perforation occur. Many foreign bodies that have passed the oesophagus progress uneventfully to defaecation. Others become retained and should be removed. If retained in the stomach, endoscopic removal may be attempted before resorting to a laparotomy. Perforation is an urgent indication for operation. Those patients inclined to swallow foreign bodies intentionally and those who insert items into the rectum should undergo psychiatric evaluation.