Foreign Bodies • No object should be left in the esophagus for >24 hrs • Unusual FB’s: ==> Very Sharp or pointed objects may perforate the GI tract and should be removed endoscopically. ==> Long objects (>6cm) or wide (>2cm) objects may not pass and should be remove endoscopically. • Button Batteries ==> 9% of cases involve more than one battery (x-ray mouth to anus) ==> Hazards: (1) Heavy metal leakage (Mercury) – low risk but real (2) Electrical Discharge (Local tissue injury) (3) Pressure Necrosis (4) Leakage of Corrosives ==> 85% Pass without symptoms (1) No intervention if pass the esophagus and pt is without symptoms
• Consider Heliox as a temporizing measure in children with respiratory distress, while awaiting endoscopy/bronchoscopy.
