Ingestion of foreign bodies among prisoners: a ten years retrospective study at University Hospital of Southern Italy

G Chir. 2017 Mar-Apr;38(2):80-83. doi: 10.11138/gchir/2017.38.2.080.

Abstract

Introduction: We studied 21 episodes of ingestion of foreign bodies (IFO) among 15 prisoners.

Patients and methods: Rectrospective research in pts admitted to emergency from June 2005 to May 2105. Ingestion, management and pts outcome were analyzed. Prisoners with previous esophagogastroduodenal disease were excluded.

Results: All pts were males and ingestions were intentional. Esophagogastroduoduenoscopy (EGDS) was performed in 10pts (8 cases with successful removal, 1 case we did not find anything e 1 of unsuccessful EGDS, that required emergency surgey. 9 pts rejected EGDS: in 2 pts were not necessary.Among the 9 pts that rejected EGDS, 5 discharged voluntary. No mortality neither morbidity. Only 1 pt required surgery.The IFO were 34 (23 sharp, 6 flat,5 indefined). We did not observe any food bolus impaction. Multiple ingestion was found in 11 pts. Recurrent episodes were found in 4 pts.

Discussion: Almost all episodes can be treated conservatively with observation and endoscopy but the management of this pts has a financial impact on healthcare cost and on security costs. Prevention strategies are important to predict patient group at high risk for recurrent IFO.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Decision Trees
  • Eating
  • Emergencies
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis*
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract*
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Self-Injurious Behavior
  • Time Factors