Endoscopic retrieval of a duodenal perforating teaspoon.

ABSTRACT

Foreign objects ingestion occur commonly in pediatric patients. The majority of ingested foreign bodies pass spontaneously the gastrointestinal tract and surgery is rarely required for extraction. Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies larger than 10 cm has not yet been described. We present the case of a 16 years old bulimic girl that swallowed a 12 cm long teaspoon in order to provoke vomiting. The teaspoon perforated the duodenum. However, it was removed during gastroscopy and the site of perforation was closed endoscopically. This particular case shows the importance of endoscopy for retrieval of large foreign bodies, and the possibility to endoscopically close a perforated duodenal wall.