Structure of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract and the frequency of their diagnosis in childhood

Abstract

Foreign bodies (FB) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are a common problem in childhood, especially among children of younger age groups, due to the peculiarities of children’s development during this period. Purpose. To analyze the characteristics of FB in the gastrointestinal tract and the frequency of their diagnosis in children. Materials and methods. The analysis of the medical documentation of 378 children with an established diagnosis of FB in the gastrointestinal tract was carried out. The diagnosis was based on the results of studies: esophagogastroduodenoscopy, radiography (standard and using a water-soluble contrast agent), ultrasound diagnostics, computed tomography. The results of the study. The distribution of children with FB by age: children under 1 year - 12%, from 1 year to 3 years - 59%, from 3 to 6 years - 24%, 6-12 years - 5%. By gender: boys - 68%, girls - 32%. By localization: FB of the esophagus - 17%, stomach - 80%, duodenum - 3% of children. Characteristics of the extracted items: various small objects (coins, balls, toys) - 53%, batteries - 27%, magnets - 20%. Endoscopic FB was removed in 88% of children, conservative (FB came out naturally) - 10.5%, surgical - 1.5%. Conclusions. FB was most often detected in children aged 1 to 3 years (59%). There are twice as many boys as girls (68% and 32%, respectively). The most frequent localization is the stomach (80%). FB is most often represented by small toy parts, coins (53%), one in five children (20%) has a magnet, and one in four (27%) has a battery. The most common method of FB removal is endoscopic (88%).