Ingested intraabdominal foreign bodies that require surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to review cases that required surgical intervention to remove ingested foreign bodies.

METHODS: Medical records of 7 patients who underwent surgical intervention at the Yüzüncü Yıl University Department of General Surgery between 2009 and 2014 after ingesting foreign bodies were reviewed.

RESULTS: Female:male ratio was 5:2; mean age was 25 (16-35). Four patients had swallowed pins, 1 patient had swallowed a sewing pin, 1 patient had swallowed a safety pin, and 1 patient had swallowed a wristwatch. The patient who had swallowed the wristwatch had psychiatric disorders. All other patients stated that they had swallowed the objects by accident.

CONCLUSION: Most ingested foreign bodies pass smoothly through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract within a week, but those that migrate out of the lumen require surgical intervention due to complications including perforation, abscess, fistula, and peritonitis. Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is believed that sharp and pointed objects that migrate outside of the lumen ought to be removed, lest they cause complications.