Multiple Foreign bodies in the GI tract (7 of 12)

Gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies present a diverse set
of challenges to the emergency physician. Presentations
range from the obvious to the occult, from the mundane to
the bizarre, and from the benign to the life-threatening.
Management options are accordingly diverse as well,
ranging from watchful waiting to emergent endoscopy or
surgery.

Physicians must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of
ingested foreign bodies, especially in small children or
psychiatric patients who have no obvious history of
ingestion. They must have a good understanding of various
removal techniques for foreign bodies in the esophagus or
rectum. They must also know which situations require
emergent intervention and whom to consult when
intervention is necessary.