ABSTRACT
Objective To present novel measures in endoscopic removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods The clinical trial performed a retrospective analysis of emergency endoscopic management of 251 cases of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract from January 2013 to November 2016. The patients underwent gastric endoscopic examinations under local pharyngeal anesthesia or general intravenous anesthesia. Flexible endoscopes and retrieval accessories such as rat-tooth and alligator forceps, polyp snares, polyp graspers, dormia basket, lithotripter or grasping forceps or rubber gloves were used for the endoscopic procedures. We reviewed of patients' general data (age, sex, type of foreign body), type of anaesthesia, foreign bodies' locations, type of accessory, complications, success rate. Results A total of 251 foreign bodies were definitely diagnosed through endoscopy, 248 foreign bodies were successfully removed with compatible devices according to the foreign bodies' location, nature, and size, and 3 cases failed. At the same time, 192 cases had little mucosal laceration and bleeding, and 45 cases were found to have underlying diseases. 1cases had esophageal surgery and 1cases had laryngeal surgery. 1 cases refuse to remove the foreign body because no symptoms and therapheutic risks. Conclusion Emergency endoscopic management is the foremost option for foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract, for its obvious advantages in safety, efficiency, low cost, and minimal invasion. Endoscopic intervention can also diagnose early underlying digestive diseases. Innovative measures can increase the successful rate of removing foreign bodies with gastric endoscopy.