Endoscopic foreign body removal

Endoscopic foreign body removal is a procedure performed during gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) to remove an object that has been swallowed and become stuck in the oesophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine. Common foreign bodies include food boluses (meat impaction), bones, dentures, coins, batteries, and other small objects. Prompt removal may be needed to prevent obstruction, bleeding, or perforation.

What to expect

Before Your Surgery

  • This procedure is often performed urgently. Authorization will be arranged by the rooms or hospital staff where applicable.
  • Fasting is required where possible:
  • No solid food for 6 hours before the procedure
  • No clear liquids for 2 hours before the procedure
    (In emergencies, the procedure may proceed despite incomplete fasting for safety reasons.)
  • Inform your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication.
  • Diabetic medication instructions will be discussed with you.

Day of Surgery

Endoscopic foreign body removal is usually performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the object, its location, and your clinical risk. You will be monitored throughout the procedure and observed afterwards until you are fully awake.

Procedure

The procedure is performed using a flexible camera (gastroscope) passed through the mouth.

  • The foreign body is located using the endoscope.
  • Special retrieval devices (forceps, snares, baskets, nets, or caps) are used to grasp and remove the object.
  • If food is impacted, it may be removed or gently advanced into the stomach when safe.
  • The lining of the oesophagus and stomach is inspected for injury.
  • In some cases, biopsies or additional treatment (such as dilatation of a stricture) may be required.

Procedure Length

The procedure usually takes 15–45 minutes, depending on the type and location of the foreign body

Possible Complications

  • Sore throat or bloating (common and temporary)
  • Bleeding
  • Infection (rare)
  • Perforation (tear) of the oesophagus or stomach (rare but serious)
  • Aspiration (breathing stomach contents into the lungs), particularly if there is vomiting
  • Reaction to sedation or anaesthesia
  • Unintended damage to surrounding structures
  • Contact the rooms or seek urgent medical attention if you develop chest pain, severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting blood, black stools, or difficulty swallowing after the procedure.

Duration of Hospital Stay

  • Most patients are treated as a day case and go home the same day. Admission may be required if:
  • There is significant oesophageal injury
  • The foreign body was high-risk (e.g., battery, sharp object)
  • There are complications or ongoing symptoms

Discharge Instructions

  • Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after sedation.
  • Follow dietary instructions given (often soft foods initially).
  • Take prescribed medication as directed (e.g., acid suppression or antibiotics if needed).
  • Monitor for chest pain, fever, persistent vomiting, or bleeding.

Return to Activities

  • Most patients can return to work the next day, unless complications occurred or admission was required.

Back to Work Estimation

  • Most patients can return to work the next day, unless complications occurred or admission was required.

Follow-Up and Results Discussion

A follow-up plan will be arranged based on the findings:

  • Review of any injury to the oesophagus or stomach
  • Discussion of contributing causes (e.g., strictures, reflux-related narrowing)
  • Planning further investigations or treatment if required