WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

Ayaulym Meiranova

Kazakh National Medical University

Introduction

Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency, often leading to serious complications such as esophageal burns or intestinal perforation; this study aims to assess the clinical patterns, anatomical localization, and outcomes of such cases in a pediatric emergency care setting.

Methods

This study analyzed cases of foreign body removal via esophagogastroduodenoscopy in children diagnosed using imaging (X-ray, barium swallow) at a pediatric emergency center from January to December 2024.

Results

The study included 91 patients, 49 (53.85%) boys, and 42 (46.15%) girls. Half of the patients were under the age of 5. The localization of foreign bodies is dominated by the upper 1/3 of the esophagus (30.8%); following with the stomach 29.7%; the lower 1/3 of the esophagus 11.0%; intestines and other unspecified gastrointestinal tract 19.8%. Foreign bodies commonly encountered include coins (49.5%), batteries (12.1%), magnets (8.8%), food (5%), and 6% toys, various objects (pins, buttons, etc.). Most of parents (67.1%) apply on the first day, which reduces the risk of further complications. Only 33% of them sought medical assistance within a few days to one month after the incident. In 91.2% of cases, foreign body removal was performed without complications. However, complications were observed in a subset of patients, including technical difficulties during removal (n=3), chemical burns of the esophagus (n=2), erosive fibrotic esophagitis (n=2), and cases requiring laparotomy and gastrotomy (n=1).

Conclusion

More than half of the patients with foreign body ingestion cases occurred in children under 5, with coins being the most frequent object. Early specialist consultation immediately after an incident reduced complications. Prevention requires constant adult supervision and restricting access to small items like magnets, coins, and batteries.