Foreign Body Removal

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hospital Episode Statistics case reports for 2010-2019 in order to determine the number of rectal foreign bodies that were removed from patients during hospitalization. As of 2019, an estimated 3,500 such objects had been removed over a span of nine years – with males comprising 85.1% and females constituting 14.9%.

What does foreign body removal mean?

Foreign body removal is a procedure that is used to remove objects from the body that are not naturally present. It can be used for a variety of reasons, including to remove an object that has been swallowed or lodged in the ear, nose, throat, airway, or skin. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and typically requires local anesthesia. In some cases, the usage of sedation may be necessary depending on the location and size of the object.

If a patient ingests or inserts something into the body, such as an object mistakenly consumed or inadvertently inserted, they may be subject to foreign bodies. Accidental ingestion of objects can put patients at risk for complications; some necessitate assistance from an emergency room physician in order to remove them safely and without discomfort.

In this process, tools like forceps, scissors, and hooks are used for the removal of a foreign body. If the object is a foreign body and it becomes embedded in surrounding soft tissue or bone, surgery may be necessary to remove it. If you suspect having a foreign body inside you, it’s best to talk to your emergency doctor or fam physician. They will offer the prophylaxis needed.

Our Beverly Hills medical practice is able to remove many foreign bodies from the skin, ear, nose, eye and other locations that do not require sedation. We also have house call doctors available to evaluate patients and assess if this is something we can assist with.

How does the process work?

Contact our office and let us know the location and the object that has gotten stuck. We will then let you know if this is something we can assist with. Schedule an office visit or house call and have one of our physicians assist you with the removal.

What is considered a foreign body?

A foreign body is any object that is not naturally present in the body. This can include anything from a splinter to a piece of jewelry. Foreign bodies can be anything from a piece of plastic to a piece of metal. In some cases, they can be deadly if not removed in time.

In any case, if a metallic foreign body becomes lodged within the body, it can cause a variety of health issues, such as infections and pain. If you or someone you know is experiencing complications due to an ingested object or foreign body, don’t wait; seek professional help right away.

Types of foreign bodies

Inhaled foreign bodies 

Inhaled foreign bodies can be a scary and dangerous situation, but luckily there are ways to remove them safely. If a foreign body, such as a small toy, nut, or seed, is inhaled, it can cause symptoms such as coughing, choking, throat pain, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the foreign body may need to be removed by a clinician. Although it can be scary, medical professionals have the right tools and techniques to remove the object and provide relief safely.

In the alimentary tract

When foreign bodies get lodged in the alimentary tract, emergency medical intervention is often required. If a patient exhibits signs of abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or a foreign body is visible in the throat, emergency operating room physicians may recommend endoscopic procedures to locate and remove the foreign body from the alimentary tract. Endoscopy allows doctors to locate and retrieve items that have been swallowed, including coins and small toys. Knowing when to seek medical attention for a foreign body lodged in the alimentary tract can help prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

In the skin 

From splinters to slivers, foreign bodies can be found in the skin. These materials can cause a range of symptoms, including inflammation, infection, and even abscesses. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the foreign body surgically. While this is an invasive procedure, it can help to rid the skin of unwanted intruders and restore health. If foreign bodies stay on the skin, it may cause tetanus as well.

In the eye 

Foreign body removal is an essential service for those who are unfortunate enough to come into contact with sharp, jagged, or otherwise potentially damaging debris in their eyes during a task or accident. An experienced medical practitioner can aid in the removal of such materials, perhaps most notably glass shards and metal fragments.

In the ear, anus, vagina, or nose

When a foreign body is accidentally lodged in the ear, anus, vagina, or nose, it can cause pain and discomfort and can also lead to infection. In these cases, the removal of the foreign body is necessary and can be done by a healthcare professional. It’s important to take care when removing foreign bodies from any sensitive area in order to avoid injury or further complications.

Airborne particles

Particles in the air, such as pollen and dust, may infiltrate the respiratory tract or eyes. In fact, these small particles may trigger allergies; however, they are not always a medical emergency. However, if you’re suffering from severe cough and irritation in your lungs, you should visit your nearest emergency department.

What are the symptoms of a foreign body?

If you think you may have a foreign body lodged in your body, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms that may present. Some of the most common signs include

• Sharp pain
• Inflammation
• lacerations or puncture wounds
• Ulceration
• Swelling
• Redness in the affected area
• Tenderness in the affected area
• Edema
• Discharge from the area
• Difficulty breathing

How are foreign bodies removed?

To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, patients undergo local anesthetic before the actual procedure. This provides them with the tranquility that helps alleviate any discomfort during the process.

Prior to incising the wound, it is first explored using a magnification tool and optimal lighting conditions. Subsequently, an appropriate incision will be made based on its location within the lesion and the size of any foreign body that may have become involved therein.

For deeply embedded foreign bodies, surgeons will employ an elliptical incision around the initial wound and utilize a surgical clamp to grasp the pelt that lies within its delimited area. Subsequently, they’ll also make a downward cut around any such object before all of its surrounding tissue is effortlessly yanked up and extirpated.

What procedure is used to remove a foreign body obstruction?

In the presence of a foreign body, the procedure used to remove it will depend on the size and location of the object. Procedures can range from endoscopy and X-rays (radiography) to manual foreign body extraction, and sometimes surgery may be required. The type of procedure used will be determined by a medical professional after a physical examination of the patient.

What is the difference between a “foreign body” and a “foreign object”?

The difference between a foreign body and a foreign object is that a foreign body is something that can cause damage to the body, such as an infection, while a foreign object is something that does not pose any threat. In either case, it is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have something in your body that shouldn’t be there.

What is the most common cause of foreign body ingestion?

The most prevalent incidence of foreign body ingestion is caused when a person unknowingly or unintentionally takes in an object that is either too large, sharp, or harmful to be processed through the gastrointestinal tract without posing a potential risk.

Children are more likely to swallow small objects, such as beads or screws, which can become lodged in the esophagus. In that case, it’s wise to take your children to pediatric doctors.

On occasion, foreign objects are ingested intentionally. Such behavior may be indicative of a mental disorder or diminished capacity; alternatively, it can result from an individual’s desire to conceal contraband such as drugs or other illegal substances – whether for personal use or commercial gain.

Can Urgent Care remove foreign bodies?

If you have a foreign body stuck in your skin, you may be wondering if urgent care can help. The answer is yes! Urgent care centers can safely and quickly remove foreign bodies like glass, wooden, or metal objects. They use sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection and can treat minor wounds caused by the foreign body. So if you have a foreign body stuck in your skin, don’t hesitate to visit an urgent care center for quick and effective removal.

Management of foreign bodies by My Concierge MD

My Concierge MD offers comprehensive management of foreign body removal. Our team of highly-trained medical professionals is always available to provide the safe and effective removal of any foreign bodies that may be present.

We use the most up-to-date equipment and techniques, such as Radiology, Computed Tomography (CT scans), and Radiology (radiographs and radiopaque), to ensure a successful procedure with minimal discomfort. My Concierge MD is committed to providing quality care, so you can feel confident that your foreign body removal needs will be taken care of quickly and effectively. Our success rate is high, so you can always count on us.