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Management

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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If the foreign body or food passes into the stomach, there is a strong chance that it will pass unhindered through the rest of the gastrointestinal tract in about 5 days. In general, patients should be treated expectantly.

Endoscopic removal is indicated for:

  • sharp objects
  • toxic objects e.g. button batteries
  • long objects: more than 6 cm in children and more than 13 cm in adults

Laparotomy should only be undertaken if there is a suggestion that perforation has developed. If the site of perforation cannot be found, the patient is treated with antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition, nasogastric suction, and an abdominal drain near the suspected site.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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