Pediatric Esophageal Foreign Bodies: The Role of Socioeconomic Status in Ingestion Patterns.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) are common and can result in serious complications. Little is known about the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on EFB ingestion in children. The goal was to study SES as a risk factor for dangerous foreign body ingestion and in-hospital complications in children. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of children presenting to a tertiary care pediatric hospital with an esophageal foreign body from 2010 to 2021. SES was assessed for each patient by linking their postal code to the Ontario Marginalization Index to determine a quintile score across four dimensions of deprivation: residential instability, material deprivation, dependency, and ethnic concentration. Dangerous EFBs were defined as magnets, batteries, sharp objects, or bones. In-hospital complications included: intensive care unit admission, prolonged length of stay, and postoperative sequelae. RESULTS: A total of 680 patients were included. Dangerous EFB ingestion was higher for children with increased residential instability (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.6) and increased material deprivation (OR, 2.2; CI, 1.9-2.8), which was similarly true for odds of complications. Odds of dangerous EFB ingestion were higher in older children (OR, 1.1; CI, 1.0-1.1) and odds of complications were higher in children with comorbidities (OR, 1.1; CI, 1.0-1.3). CONCLUSION: Higher levels of housing instability and material deprivation are associated with dangerous EFB ingestion and complications related to EFB ingestion. These findings emphasize the role that SES plays on child health outcomes and the need for initiatives to mitigate these disparities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2945-2953, 2024.

The global, regional, and national burden of foreign bodies from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies (FBs) are a common emergency in medical institutions, that can occur in any area and among people of any age, which are common public health problems. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of FBs is crucial for their prevention and control. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of FBs worldwide through the data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). METHODS: We obtained data from the GBD 2019, which is an important public database to understand the disease burden of FBs. Joinpoint was used to analyze temporal trends in the incidence and death trends of FBs, which is widely used to study the long-term temporal trend of the burden of diseases. SaTScan was used to detect spatial-temporal clusters of pulmonary aspiration and foreign body in the airway (PAFBA), which is based on a Poisson model, scanning the number of people and diseases in the study area to obtain the spatial-temporal clusters of diseases. RESULTS: Globally, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) of FBs in 2019 were 869.23/100,000 (679.92/100,000-1120.69/100,000) and 1.55/100,000 (1.41/100,000-1.67/100,000), respectively. The ASIR and ASDR showed downtrends with average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of -0.31% and - 1.47% from 1990 to 2019. Of note, the ASIR showed an uptrend during 2010-2019, especially in high, high-middle, and middle SDI regions. Stratified analysis by age group showed that ASIR increased in each age group in recent years. From 1990 to 2019, the ASDR in the over-70 age group showed an uptrend worldwide, especially in high and high-middle SDI regions. In different types of FBs, the ASDR of PAFBA was the highest. The death burden of PAFBA was mainly clustered in 82 countries during 1993-2007, such as Canada, Cuba, and Mexico. CONCLUSION: The most important goal is to improve public awareness and emergency knowledge of FBs through publicity methods, such as the internet or offline activities, and to improve laws and regulations. Additionally, different age groups need different targeted measures, such as strengthening the care of children, caring for elderly individuals, improving necessary monitoring programs and reporting systems, conducting effective hazard assessments, and publicity and education activities.

Recommendations for radiographic assessment of hand wounds.

A retrospective study of 945 hand patients was conducted to determine the relevance of systematic radiographic assessment. An osteoarticular lesion or a radiopaque foreign body was found in 34% of cases. The indications for radiographic assessment should be related to the mechanism of injury.

Global, regional, and national burdens of intraocular foreign bodies in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019: a trend analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate trends in global, regional, and national burdens of intraocular foreign bodies among children and adolescents (aged 0 - 19 years) between 1990 and 2019 according to age, sex, and socio-demographic index. METHODS: This study obtained data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and evaluated the number of cases, rates per 100,000 persons, and average annual percentage changes among children and adolescents. The annual percentage changes in the incidence and years lived with disability rates across various age groups were investigated using joinpoint software. RESULTS: For intraocular foreign bodies in children and adolescents, the incidence and year lived with disability rates decreased in all age groups between 1990 and 2019. However, the number of incident cases and years lived with disability increased from 1091.94 [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 610.91-1839.52] and 89,245 (95% UI, 6.65-18.67) in 1990 to 1134.85 (95% UI, 665.01-1867.50) and 92,108 (95% UI, 32,052-192,153) in 2019, respectively. Age was positively correlated with the number of cases, incidence, and years lived with disability rates. However, there were significant decreases in both the incidence and years lived with disability rates among children and adolescents, especially in the 15-18 years age group, males, and most high-income regions. Notably, the incidence and years lived with disability rates were significantly decreased in middle and high-middle socio-demographic index regions but were increased in low and low-middle socio-demographic index regions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the remarkable progress between 1990 and 2019 in reducing the global burden of intraocular foreign bodies, there has been an increase in the number of cases, with substantial disparity across age groups, sexes, regions, and countries. Our results could inform more effective strategies for reducing the burden among children and adolescents.

[Analysis of the incidence and burden of intraocular foreign bodies in China based on age-period-cohort model].

Objective: This study aims to analyze the incidence, disease burden, and trend of intraocular foreign bodies in China from 1990 to 2019, and to analyze the trend of changes in age, period, and cohort of Chinese men. Methods: The data related to the incidence rate and disease burden of intraocular foreign bodies in China from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD database) on the website of the Institute for Health Indicators and Evaluation (IHME) of the University of Washington, United States, and the annual percentage rate change (AAPC) of intraocular foreign bodies in China was calculated using the Joinpoint software to describe the long-term trend of their incidence rate and disease burden over time. Using Stata17 software, an age period cohort model was constructed to analyze the age, period, and cohort factors affecting intraocular foreign bodies in men. Results: In 2019, the incidence rate of intraocular foreign bodies in China was 791.20/100 000, and the DALY rate was 10.32/100 000, with an average annual decline rate of 1.70% and 1.48% respectively. In 2019, the number of cases of intraocular foreign bodies in China was 11.253 6 million, and the DALY was 1 812.29 million person years. Among them, the incidence and disease burden of intraocular foreign bodies in men were more severe than those in women, and the incidence and disease burden risk of intraocular foreign bodies in men aged 30-35 and 45-50 were the highest. The incidence and disease burden risk of intraocular foreign bodies in elderly men gradually increased. Conclusions: As a common ophthalmic disease, the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies and the DALY rate are declining, but the disease burden is increasing. With the aging of the population, the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies in the elderly will further increase in the future, which should be considered by policy makers. The findings of this study can help governments and healthcare planners formulate practical and targeted policy responses.

Consultations for Foreign Bodies in Aerodigestive Tract: Assessment of Diagnostic Modalities.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate test characteristics of various diagnostic modalities in the workup of foreign body (FB) sensation in the aerodigestive tract. METHODS: Database containing all inpatient otolaryngology consultations between 2008 and 2020 was used. Cases of FB sensation were identified by documented encounter diagnosis or hospital problem of FB or globus sensation. Variables including basic patient demographics, clinical presentations, diagnostic imaging modalities, procedures, and outpatient follow-up were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were included in the study. A FB was visualized in 55 patients (52%) and removed in 52 patients (49%); 3 patients had a FB that was visualized initially but not found in the operating room. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were found to be 41%, 50%, 58%, and 33%, respectively, for X-ray (XR); 91%, 61%, 70%, and 87%, respectively, for computed tomography (CT). Sensitivity and NPV were 25% and 57%, respectively, for flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FFL). Seventy-one of 106 patients (67%) underwent invasive interventions during their workup for FBs. Ten out of 11 (91%) chicken bones were found in the digestive tract compared to 7 out of 19 (37%) fishbones (p = 0.0046). CONCLUSION: In patients with history of FB ingestion, CT may be more beneficial than XR as a screening tool for locating foreign bodies and guiding further management. FFL alone is inadequate for ruling out a FB in the aerodigestive tract given FB's high likelihood of being in the esophagus or buried in soft tissue or mucosa. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1361-1366, 2023.

When the Cost of Vaping Is an Eye: A Case of an Open Globe and Superior Orbital Roof Fracture.

The authors report a penetrating orbitocerebral vape pen injury necessitating a primary enucleation and craniotomy to remove the foreign body fragments. A 31-year-old male presented with acute right vision loss after a modifiable vape pen explosion launched multiple projectile fragments into his right eye. CT revealed a deformed globe with multiple radiodense curvilinear fragments in the superior orbital roof and intracranial space. A right frontal craniotomy and orbitotomy with removal of vape pen fragments, reconstruction of the orbital roof, primary enucleation, and eyelid repair were performed in conjunction with neurosurgery. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported penetrating globe injury from a vape pen explosion.

Patient characteristics, outcomes and hospital-level healthcare costs of foreign body ingestion from an Australian, non-prison referral centre.

OBJECTIVE: Foreign body ingestion (FBI) occurs infrequently but can be associated with rare risks including perforation. There is limited understanding of the impact of adult FBI in Australia. We aim to evaluate patient characteristics, outcomes and hospital costs of FBI. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of patients with FBI was performed at a non-prison referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. International Classification of Disease-10 coding identified patients with gastrointestinal FBI over financial years 2018-2021. Exclusion criteria were food bolus, medication foreign body, object in anus or rectum, or non-ingestion. Criteria for 'emergent' classification were oesophagus, size >6 cm, disc batteries, airway compromise, peritonitis, sepsis and/or suspected viscus perforation. RESULTS: Thirty-two admissions attributed to 26 patients were included. The median age was 36 years (IQR: 27-56), 58% were male and 35% had a prior psychiatric or autism spectrum disorder. There were no deaths, perforations or surgery. Gastroscopy was performed in 16 admissions and 1 was scheduled following discharge. Rat-tooth forceps were used in 31% and an overtube was used in 3 cases. The median time from presentation to gastroscopy was 673 minutes (IQR: 380-1013). Management was adherent to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines in 81%. After excluding admissions with FBI as a secondary diagnosis, median admission cost was $A1989 (IQR: $A643-$A4976) and total admission costs over the 3 years was $A84 448. CONCLUSION: FBI in an Australian, non-prison referral centre is infrequent, can often be safely managed expectantly, and has limited impact on healthcare utilisation. Early, outpatient endoscopy could be considered for non-urgent cases, which may reduce costs while maintaining safety.

The clinical assessment of foreign body ingestions: Experience in a developing country.

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is an important emergency in low- to middle-income countries. Our study sought to identify which clinical and radiological findings best predict upper gastrointestinal FB impaction. Amongst 149 adolescents and adults presenting to two Jamaican hospitals between 2018 and 2020, FB's were found at 31% of telescopic laryngoscopies and 60% of rigid oesophagoscopies. Commonest sites of impaction were the tonsils at laryngoscopy (15/46) and proximal oesophagus at oesophagoscopy (17/22). Odds of pharyngeal impaction were higher with fish bone ingestion, persistent discomfort, perceived location of discomfort above the cricoid cartilage and symptoms noted during a meal. Persistent discomfort and FB shadow on X-ray imaging produced higher odds of oesophageal impaction. Simple clinical and radiological assessments are useful in predicting FB impaction in resource-limited settings.

The effectiveness of radiofrequency scanning technology in preventing retained surgical items: An integrative review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) scanning technology as an adjunct to manual counting protocols in preventing retained surgical items (RSIs) in the operating room. BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of rigorous manual counting protocols, RSIs remain one of the most common reported sentinel events in operating theatres that lead to adverse patient outcomes. DESIGN: An integrative review. METHODS: This review was guided by the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) framework. A literature search using CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, and Scopus with key search terms related to RSIs and RF was applied to select English articles from January 2011 till August 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was utilised for study quality assessment while reporting of review was guided using the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: A total of 15 peer-reviewed articles were included, enabling the knowledge on the RF scanning technology to be grouped into four themes, namely: detection accuracy of RF scanning technology, real-time detection of surgical items using RF identification, the impact of the RF scanning technology for detecting RSIs on patient safety, and cost-analysis of integrating the RF scanning technology in operating theatres. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency scanning technology is effective in preventing RSIs with significant cost-savings. Perioperative leaders should develop a multidisciplinary process to evaluate and select the most appropriate RF scanning technology as part of their patient safety programs. However, future studies with a larger sample size and robust research design, such as randomised controlled trial, should be considered to enhance the generalisability and rigour of evidence. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This review contributes to perioperative personnel's education/training of staff on using RF scanning technology to prevent RSIs. The cost-effectiveness analysis enables the healthcare leaders to decide on the selection of appropriate RF technology.

Risk Reduction Strategy to Decrease Incidence of Retained Surgical Items.

BACKGROUND: Retained surgical items (RSIs) are rare but serious events associated with significant morbidity and costs. We assessed the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) detection technology and Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) in reducing the incidence of RSIs. STUDY DESIGN: All RSIs reported to the New York Patient Occurrence Reporting and Tracking System at five large urban teaching hospitals from 2007 to 2017 were analyzed. In 2012, TeamSTEPPS training was provided to all perioperative staff at each site, and use of RF detection became required in all procedures. The incidence of events before and after the interventions were compared using odds ratios. RESULTS: A total of 997,237 operative procedures were analyzed. After the interventions, the incidence of RSIs decreased from 11.66 to 5.80 events per 100,000 operations (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] = 0.50 [0.32 to 0.78]). The frequency of RSIs involving RF-detectable items decreased from 5.21 to 1.35 events per 100,000 operations (OR [95% CI] = 0.26 [0.11 to 0.60]). The difference in RSIs involving non-RF-detectable surgical items was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RSIs was significantly lower during the time period after implementing RF detection technology and after TeamSTEPPS training, primarily driven by a decrease in retained RF-detectable items. RF detection technology may be worth pursuing for hospitals looking to decrease RSI frequency. The benefit of TeamSTEPPS training alone may not result in a reduction of RSIs.

Trends and Disparities in the Incidence of Intraocular Foreign Bodies 1990-2019: A Global Analysis.

Objectives: This study aims to provide trends and disparities in the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries by region, country, socio-demographic index (SDI), age, and sex. Methods: The global, regional and national number of incident cases as well as age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of IOFBs were attained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). To estimate the trend of ASIR of IOFBs, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated from 1990 to 2019. Results: Globally, although ASIR of IOFBs decreased with an EAPC of -0.93% [95% uncertainty interval (UI) -1.1 to -0.76] from 1990 to 2019, ASIR of IOFBs increased from 2008 to 2019. From 35.79 million (95% UI 23.62-50.89) in 1990 to 46.63 million (95% UI 32.45-64.45) in 2019, the number of IOFB incident cases worldwide increased by 30.29% (95% UI 19.63-43.55). The incidence of IOFBs varied by region and country, and it was closely related to socio-economic development. Furthermore, while ASIR of IOFBs was high in the young population aged 15-49 years, we observed a significant increase in the number of IOFB incident cases in older adults when compared to other age groups. In terms of sex, males accounted for the vast majority of IOFB incident cases. Conclusions: The global ASIR of IOFBs is on the rise, with an increase in incident cases, designating IOFBs as a global health challenge. The incidence of IOFBs cases is directly related to geographic location, socio-economic status, age, sex, and other factors. Our findings could be useful for the control and prevention of IOFBs.

Step-by-step development and evaluation of a 3D printed home-made low-cost pediatric tracheobronchial tree for foreign body aspiration extractions.

OBJECTIVES: The management of foreign body aspirations (FBA) is dreaded by pediatric physicians due to the high risk of respiratory distress and a potential fatal outcome, favored by a lack of experience of young specialists. Furthermore, there has been an increasing requirement for low-cost simulation. The aim was to describe the step-by-step manufacturing process and to validate a low-cost, easily home-made training model of pediatric tracheo-bronchial tree (pTBT) for simulation-based training in order to teach young physicians to practice foreign body (FBA) extractions. METHODS: A simulator was designed in order to reproduce the physical and esthetic properties of a pTBT. The production cost of a single simulator was estimated. The simulator was then tested by experienced physicians using a rigid bronchoscope. A manufacturing manual of the simulator is hereby presented. A group of 7 experienced pediatric otolaryngologists performed a FBA extraction in the conditions of installation of an operating room. RESULTS: The result of the survey showed a high fidelity of the simulator in mimicking the biological esthetics and physical properties of a pTBT during a FBA extraction (mean 4.3 ± 0.8). The total cost of the custom-made simulator is about 20.5 € ($23.4) for the production of the first simulator. CONCLUSIONS: A highly realistic and easily reproducible pediatric tracheo-bronchial tree simulator is presented and can therefore be used during simulation-based training.

Ultrasound-assisted foreign body extraction (U-SAFE): Review of technique and technical pearls.

INTRODUCTION: Soft tissue foreign bodies are a common presentation to emergency departments and primary care. They have variable presentations and associated morbidity depending on their acuity, location, functional impairment and neurovascular involvement. Traditional removal has utilised blind technique or surgical exploration. Their removal can be difficult secondary to induration, inflammation, granulation and scar tissue. Ultrasonography has emerged as a minimally invasive and inexpensive method of examination and retrieval. This article entails ultrasound-guided foreign body extraction with associated pearls of experience. METHODS: From March 2017 to August 2020, a fellowship trained interventional radiologist and a fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologist performed 52 foreign body extractions under ultrasound guidance at a single institution. RESULTS: 52 foreign body extractions occurred over 3-year time period with a 95% success rate. The most common location of foreign body was the finger (62%) and feet/toes (17%). Foreign bodies identified include wood (31%), plant-based material (29%), metal (17%), glass (17%) and synthetic material (6%). Two unsuccessful cases were secondary to delayed presentation with significant foreign body reaction and the 2nd due to patient psychiatric issues. There were no identified complications. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography-guided foreign body extraction is a minimally invasive, efficient and targeted technique for foreign body removal.

Time trends, associations and global burden of intraocular foreign bodies.

PURPOSE: To estimate the disease burden due to intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) and evaluate contributions of various risk factors to IOFB-associated disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). METHODS: Global, regional and country-level number, rate and age-standardised rate of DALYs due to IOFBs were acquired from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 database. The Human Development Index (HDI) and other region and country-level data were obtained from open databases. Time trends for number, rate and age-standardised rate of DALYs due to IOFBs were calculated. Regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between age-standardised rate of DALYs and potential predictors. RESULTS: Global DALYs due to IOFBs rose by 43.7% between 1990 (139 (95% CI 70.8 to 233) thousand) and 2017 (202 (95% CI 105 to 335) thousand). The DALY rate remained stable while the age-standardised rate decreased during this period. Higher disease burden due to IOFBs was associated with higher glaucoma prevalence (ß=0.006, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.09, p<0.001), lower refractive error prevalence (ß=-0.0005, 95% CI -0.0007 to -0.0002, p<0.001), and lower income (ß=-0.020, 95% CI -0.035 to -0.006, p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Predictors of a greater burden of IOFB disability generally point to lower socioeconomic level. The association with glaucoma may reflect a complication of IOFB, increasing risk of vision loss and disability.

Rectal foreign body removal: increasing incidence and cost to the NHS.

INTRODUCTION: Insertion of foreign objects into the rectum is a well-described phenomenon and not an uncommon referral to the general surgeon on call. Although usually not life-threatening, there can be consequences following migration of the object or perforation of the large bowel. This study looks at the incidence of removal of foreign objects from the rectum over the last decade and the financial burden it presents to the NHS. METHODS: Hospital Episode Statistics for 2010-2019 were used to calculate the number of rectal foreign bodies that required removal in hospital. Data for age groups and genders have been compared. RESULTS: A total of 3,500 rectal foreign bodies were removed over the course of 9 years. Males accounted for 85.1% of rectal foreign bodies whilst 14.9% were females. This equates to 348 bed-days per annum. Admission peaks were observed in the second and fifth decades of life. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the incidence of rectal foreign bodies is higher in men and has been increasing over the period studied. Most foreign bodies can be removed trans-anally with the use of anaesthesia, with only a small proportion of patients requiring hospital stay over 24 hours (mean length of stay = 24 hours). Nearly 400 rectal foreign body removals are performed each year with an annual cost of £338,819, illustrating the effect this has on NHS resources.

Intentional Foreign Body Ingestions: A Complex, Recurrent and Costly Issue.

BACKGROUND Recurrent intentional foreign body (RIFB) ingestion is a complex and costly issue among patients in prison and those with psychiatric disorders. Risk factors for RIFB ingestion include male sex, incarceration, and the presence of a psychiatric disorder. Most patients can be managed with observation and endoscopy. Surgery is indicated in cases involving perforation or obstruction. The literature on preventative strategies for RIFB ingestion is scarce. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old man required 6 admissions in 1 calendar year for intentional foreign body ingestions. The patient was living in prison and had a history of bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder. He underwent 9 endoscopic procedures that retrieved a total of 64 objects. The primary imaging modalities were abdominal X-ray and abdominopelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan. The patient was managed with endoscopy and, in 2 cases, with observation alone. Serial abdominal examinations and abdominal films were used to monitor the progress of foreign bodies that were difficult to retrieve. A bowel regimen with polyethylene glycol facilitated the passage of the objects. The patient never required surgical intervention. The mean length of stay was 4.17 days. The recurrent ingestions may have been related to compulsions and family stress. CONCLUSIONS Interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount in formulating effective treatment plans and limiting recurrence. Proposed strategies to prevent RIFB ingestion include the removal of ingestible objects from the environment, specialized prison units for close monitoring, early psychiatric intervention with appropriate pharmacologic/behavioral therapy, and limiting hospital admissions to prevent secondary gain. Further studies are needed to determine the most effective approach to manage and prevent RIFB ingestion.

Comparison of Cap-Assisted vs Conventional Endoscopic Technique for Management of Food Bolus Impaction in the Esophagus: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: "Push" or "pull" techniques with the use of snares, forceps, baskets, and grasping devices are conventionally used to manage esophageal food bolus impaction (FBI). A novel cap-assisted technique has recently been advocated to reduce time taken for food bolus (FB) removal. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the cap-assisted technique against conventional methods of esophageal FB removal in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Consecutive patients with esophageal FBI requiring endoscopic removal, from 3 Australian tertiary hospitals between 2017 and 2019, were randomized to either the cap-assisted technique or the conventional technique. Primary outcomes were technical success and FB retrieval time. Secondary outcomes were technical success rate, en bloc removal rate, procedure-related complication, length of hospital stay, and cost of consumables. RESULTS: Over 24 months, 342 patients with esophageal FBI were randomized to a cap-assisted (n = 171) or conventional (n = 171) technique. Compared with the conventional approach, the cap-assisted technique was associated with (i) shorter FB retrieval time (4.5 ± 0.5 minutes vs 21.7 ± 0.9 minutes, P < 0.001), (ii) shorter total procedure time (23.0 ± 0.6 minutes vs 47.0 ± 1.3 minutes, P < 0.0001), (iii) higher technical success rate (170/171 vs 160/171, P < 0.001), (iv) higher rate of en bloc removal (159/171 vs 48/171, P < 0.001), and (v) lower rate of procedure-related mucosal tear and bleeding (0/171 vs 13/171, P < 0.001). There were no major adverse events or deaths within 30 days in either group. The total cost of consumables was higher in the conventional group (A$19,644.90 vs A$6,239.90). DISCUSSION: This multicenter randomized controlled trial confirmed that the cap-assisted technique is more effective and less costly than the conventional approach and should be first-line treatment for esophageal FBI.

Microimplantation of foreign materials for assessment of foreign body immune responses and granuloma formation in zebrafish larvae.

This protocol describes the microimplantation of foreign materials such as schistosome eggs, polymer beads, and other microscopic objects into the small and optically transparent larval zebrafish for the assessment of immune responses, including granuloma formation. This protocol has wide applicability for both fundamental studies on host responses to parasite eggs and other foreign bodies, as well as the testing of potential biomaterials and devices used for human medical implants. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Takaki et al. (2021a) and (2021b).

Cuerpos extraños ingeridos intencionalmente por un prisionero. Informe de caso / Foreign bodies intentionally ingested by a prisoner. A case presentation

RESUMEN: La ingestión intencional de cuerpos extraños es frecuente entre prisioneros. Es un fenómeno asociado a un aumento de la morbimortalidad y los costos. Generalmente no requiere de intervención específica, aunque pueden aparecer complicaciones severas, que requieren, en ocasiones, tratamiento quirúrgico urgente. Se presenta un paciente masculino, de 24 años de edad, sin antecedentes relevantes, recluido en la prisión de máxima seguridad de la provincia Camagüey. Se introdujo por la boca un alambre de 40 cm de longitud, con un gancho en su punta. Presentó sialorrea y molestias retroesternales. Al examen físico se encontró normalidad de sus parámetros vitales, sin alteraciones en el examen del tórax, con abdomen doloroso a la palpación profunda del cuadrante inferior derecho. Se realizaron radiografías simples de tórax posteroanterior, lateral, y de abdomen simple, se encontraron un cuerpo extraño desde la boca hasta el tercio inferior del esófago torácico y otro cuerpo extraño ubicado en la pelvis, que refirió haber ingerido intencionalmente hace un año. Se realizó laparotomía urgente y extracción de ambos cuerpos extraños. El paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente sin desarrollar complicaciones. La ingestión intencional de cuerpos extraños en la población penal es un problema de salud complejo. La prevención es uno de los pilares fundamentales de su tratamiento. Es importante un alto índice de sospecha sobre la ingestión de múltiples objetos, en este grupo de pacientes la cirugía es frecuentemente requerida.

ABSTRACT The conscious ingestion of foreign bodies is frequent among prisoners. It is a phenomenon associated with an increase in morbidity - mortality and costs. Generally, it does not require specific intervention, although severe complications may appear, which sometimes require urgent surgical treatment.to present the case of a prisoner with recurrent intentional ingestion of multiple foreign bodies, one of them not previously diagnosed. Case presentation: A 24-years-old male patient, with no relevant history, held in the Camagüey province maximum security prison. The wire was introduced through the mouth 40 cm long, with a hook at its tip. Referring to hypersalivation and retrosternal discomfort. The physical examination found normality of his vital parameters, without alterations in the chest examination, with a painful abdomen on deep palpation of the right lower quadrant. A posteroanterior and lateral chest X-ray was performed, finding a foreign body from the mouth to the lower third of the thoracic esophagus, an abdominal X-ray where another foreign body was located in the pelvis, which he reported having intentionally ingested a year ago. An urgent laparotomy was performed and both foreign bodies were removed. The patient evolves satisfactorily without developing complications. The intentional ingestion of foreign bodies in the prison population is a complex health problem. Prevention is one of the fundamental pillars of its treatment. A high index of suspicion on the ingestion of multiple objects is important; in this group of patients surgery is frequently required.