Table II.
Recommended management protocol for ingested foreign bodies.
| Type of Object | Site of Object | Management Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries | Oesophagus | Urgent endoscopic retrieval |
| Stomach and Duodenum | If > 48 hrs → endoscopic retrieval | |
| If > 2 cm → endoscopic retrieval | ||
| DJ Flexure | Twice weekly X-rays | |
| If signs of Obstruction/Bleeding/Perforation → urgent endoscopic retrieval +/− laparotomy | ||
| Sharp Metallic Objects | Oesophagus | Urgent endoscopic retrieval |
| Stomach and Duodenum | Urgent endoscopic retrieval | |
| DJ Flexure | Daily x-rays/strict observation | |
| If fails to progress > 72 hrs → laparotomy | ||
| If signs of Obstruction/Bleeding/Perforation → laparotomy | ||
| Blunt Metallic Objects | Oesophagus | Endoscopic retrieval |
| Stomach and Duodenum | If < 2cm → weekly X-rays/conservative management | |
| If > 2 cm → observe with weekly X-rays for 1–2 months. If failure to progress → endoscopic retrieval | ||
| DJ Flexure | Weekly X-rays/conservative management | |
| If signs of Obstruction/Bleeding/Perforation → urgent endoscopic retrieval +/− laparotomy | ||