Aetiology
The primary cause of foreign body ingestion is accidental ingestion of foreign objects, such as coins, buttons, screws, pins, and toys. Ingestion of foreign bodies can also occur due to intentional ingestion, such as swallowing razor blades or other sharp objects.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a foreign body in the stomach is usually made by physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or endoscopy. X-rays are often used to confirm the presence of a foreign body and to determine its size and location. Endoscopy is often used to remove the foreign body.
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of a foreign body in the stomach includes esophageal stricture, esophageal motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer.
Treatment
The treatment of a foreign body in the stomach depends on the size, shape, and location of the object. Small objects may pass through the digestive system on their own and require no treatment. If the object is large or sharp, it may need to be removed with endoscopy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the object.
Prognosis
The prognosis of a foreign body in the stomach depends on the size, shape, and location of the object. Small objects usually pass through the digestive system without complications. However, large objects may cause damage to the stomach wall or block the digestive system, leading to more serious complications.