Multiple Foreign bodies in the GI tract (9 of 12)

Ingested foreign bodies frequently become lodged in the
esophagus, often requiring urgent removal. Much more
rarely, objects fail to pass the pylorus or the ileocecal
valve. More than 80% of ingested foreign bodies that pass
into the stomach will traverse the rest of the gut
uneventfully. Objects that are less likely to pass
spontaneously are those longer than 6 cm, sharp objects
such as pins and toothpicks, and blunt objects greater than
2.5 cm wide, though many of these will still pass without
sequelae.

Of primary concern are objects lodged in the esophagus,
since these are at highest risk for complications such as
mucosal erosions, perforation, or airway compromise.
Objects typically lodge at the level of the cricopharyngeus
muscle, the level of the aortic arch, or the lower
esophageal sphincter. High esophageal impactions are
most common in children; adults most often have
obstructions at the lower esophageal sphincter. Food
boluses, particularly meat, are the most common cause of
esophageal impaction in adults, and often result from
underlying esophageal pathology. Foreign bodies with
toxic contents, such as button batteries and packages of
cocaine, represent special cases. A button battery lodged
in the esophagus is a true emergency requiring immediate
endoscopic removal.