Why is this procedure done?
Foreign body ingestion is when your child puts something other than food in their mouth and swallows it. Children between 6 months and 3 years of age are most likely to swallow things that are not food. Many times, an adult does not see the child swallow the object. The child may or may not show any signs of having swallowed something. Swallowing some objects can cause serious problems. This procedure is done to remove an object that has not passed through the digestive system on its own. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
The doctor will take your childs history and do an exam. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- Chest or belly x-ray ¢ ˆ ’ A test that takes a picture of the chest or belly. Most foreign bodies ingested by children can be seen on an x-ray.
What happens during the procedure?
Care depends on the type of foreign body and where it is found in your childs GI tract. A number of ways may be used to remove the foreign body. Your child may need to be sedated before the foreign body is taken out. Most often, the staff will put an I.V. in your child's arm to give fluids and drugs. Your child will be given a drug to make them sleepy. It will also help your child stay pain free during the procedure. ‚
- Endoscopy ¢ ˆ ’ Used most often to take out a foreign body, especially sharp or pointed objects. An endoscope is a tube with a light at the end. The doctor looks in your child's GI tract to find and remove the foreign body.
- Foley catheter method ¢ ˆ ’ A thin tube with an uninflated balloon on the end is placed behind the foreign object. The balloon is then blown up and the tube is withdrawn slowly, drawing out the foreign body with it.
- Bougienage method ¢ ˆ ’ A bougie is a tool that is used to push a foreign body into your child's stomach. Then, it can pass through the rest of the GI tract without a problem.
- Observation ¢ ˆ ’ Most swallowed foreign bodies pass through the GI tract without causing harm once they have reached the stomach. If an x-ray shows that the foreign body is in your child's stomach, your child may be given food and drink. You may be asked to check your child's stool daily until the foreign object is passed.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain or swelling of the lining of the GI tract
- GI tract blockage
- Infection
- Poor blood flow to the GI tract. This may happen if more than one magnet was swallowed.
- Hole in GI tract
- GI tract scarring
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep all small objects out of your childs reach.
- Teach your child not to put foreign objects into the mouth.
- Be careful with button batteries and small magnets and their use in toys. Store them away from small children.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Choking-Prevention.aspx ‚
American Family Physician ‚
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0715/p292.html ‚
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/press/press.aspx?id=3620&terms=ingested%20objects ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚