Rigid versus flexible endoscopy for managing ingested foreign bodies-can we improve pathways?

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate management pathways, outcomes and safety of rigid endoscopy (RE) and flexible endoscopy (FE) for the treatment of impacted foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) in adults.

METHODS

Retrospective study, included all patients undergoing RE or FE for impacted UGIT foreign body over an 11-year-period.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were included (95 FE and 49 RE). FE were performed under local anaesthetic or sedation, and RE under GA. Success rate of FE and RE were 95.8% and 95.9% respectively. During FE an intra-procedural biopsy was performed in 45/95 (47.3%); with 26/95(27.4%) identifying mucosal pathology. Complications was significantly higher in patients having RE (40.8% versus 6.3%, p = .001).

CONCLUSION

FE and RE are effective for the therapeutic management of impacted UGIT foreign bodies. However, FE can be performed under LA and was associated with fewer complications, favouring FE where possible as a first line option.