A combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach for the removal of a gastric foreign body. A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Foreign bodies that are ingested and will not pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract, need to be removed either endoscopically or surgically. Surgery will be required when endoscopy alone fails to retrieve the foreign body. In this study, we aimed to present our experience with an combined minimal invasive approach for the removal of a gastric foreign body and to review the medical literature on the complexities related to its management.

METHODS

We report a successful technique represented by a combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach for the retrieval of a gastric foreign body. A 51 year old male patient, with a longstanding psychiatric history, who ingested a folded bank card with suicidal purpose, had the foreign body removed using this combined minimal invasive approach.

RESULTS

The operating time was 150 minutes, there was no blood loss and no perioperative complications. The patient fulfilled the discharge criteria on the 3rd postoperative day DISCUSSION : The approach for ingested foreign bodies should be considered for each patient independently, depending on the characteristics, location and existence of complications of the retained object.

CONCLUSION

This combined minimal invasive technique is safe and feasible, with excellent results for the retrieval of large, non-malleable gastric foreign bodies.

KEY WORDS

Endoscopy, Foreign body, Laparoscopy, Removal.