Foreign body of the stomach

There are foreign bodies, enters the stomach when swallowed accidentally or intentionally, and foreign bodies, gradually formed in the stomach.

If swallowed, a foreign body, passed through the esophagus into the stomach, usually it passes through the intestine and out naturally. Large and heavy foreign bodies may linger in the stomach for a few days. Some foreign substances are not allocated independently in relation to their shape, size, structure.

The clinic is determined by the nature and amount of foreign bodies. In some cases, foreign substances do not cause any disturbances, However, frequent complaints of feeling of heaviness, abdominal discomfort, sometimes sharp pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis of the presence of a foreign body in the stomach

Basic methods - radiological and endoscopic; to determine the non-contrast foreign bodies resorted to the study of the stomach with the help of the contrast mass.

Upon detection of a foreign body in the stomach necessary to follow his fate, because it affects the treatment tactics. X-rays performed every 2-3 days. The lack of dynamics in the promotion of foreign body within 3-5 days can testify to its introduction into the wall of the organ or going beyond the stomach. Perhaps the development of complications such as internal bleeding, inflammation. In the absence of complications the prognosis is favorable.

There are foreign bodies, which gradually accumulate in the stomach at a constant swallowed. It can be phytobezoars - foreign bodies from plant fibers and resins; trichobezoar - from hair and wool, etc.. Accumulating in the stomach, Bezoars gradually increase in volume, covered by food particles, bacteria, mucus. Their sizes may vary within different, in some cases they fill the whole stomach.

Bezoars small size does not cause clinical manifestations. As they increase may be a feeling of heaviness, epigastric pain, bad breath, dyspeptic symptoms in the form of belching rotten, Heartburn, nausea, vomiting.

Diagnosis is based on history the first results of the inspection, examination of the patient.

Treatment of a foreign body in the stomach

Apply splitting bezoar using fibrescope, appointed laxatives, alkaline water, abdominal massage; in the absence of effect of conservative treatment resort to surgical intervention.

Forecast, usually, favorable. Prevention is correct, balanced diet, exclusion of bad habits, health education to patients.