A novel approach to ring-type foreign body removal: the "U-wire".

BACKGROUND

Foreign body ingestions are common, especially in pediatric, edentulous, psychiatric, and incarcerated populations. For the 20% of foreign bodies that do not pass spontaneously through the gastrointestinal tract, removal using modern, flexible endoscopes has become routine.

METHODS

We describe the successful endoscopic removal of a ring-type or "closed loop" foreign body by means of a novel technique. Utilizing a nasogastric tube inserted alongside the endoscope, a guidewire inserted through the tube is directed through the ring with a "rat-tooth" grasping forceps passed through the accessory channel of the endoscope. The wire is snared and pulled up through the endoscope creating a "U," with both ends of the wire outside of the patient. The nasogastric tube, endoscope, and foreign body may then be removed safely.

RESULTS

The technique was easy to perform and the foreign body was removed without complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the U-wire technique, ring-type foreign bodies may be readily and safely removed.