Low urgency
-Moderately severe
Foreign body ingestion is a common occurrence in childhood and may sometimes require endoscopy to resolve the condition.
The most common objects involved are coins, dentures, toys and medication containers.
When symptoms are provoked it is generally due to an injury caused by the object; it usually causes pain and defense to palpation of the abdomen. It may not cause symptoms and may end up being expelled with the stool.
The diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation and complete physical examination. The presence of the foreign body is confirmed by laboratory and imaging tests (abdominal X-ray or CT scan).
Treatment is based on pain control with standard analgesics and removal of the foreign body (fibroendoscopy or surgery).
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Dr. Elvira Moreno
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