EGS SO25 - Ingestion of Sharp Foreign Bodies- Emerging Trends in a Large UK NHS Trust

Abstract Background Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common medical problem. The type of object ingested depends on age, sex, socio-economic factors, geographical area, and nutritional habits. Accidental ingestion of hijab pins as a phenomenon has not been widely reported in the UK previously. Method Retrospective cohort study on all patients presenting with foreign body ingestion from July 2010 to January 2024. Patient medical records were reviewed, and data collected including mode of presentation, demographics, FB type and mode of ingestion (accidental/deliberate), admission details, radiology, management (conservative, endoscopic, surgery), morbidity and mortality and readmission rate. Data was recorded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results 94 patients presented with FB ingestion of whom 39 ingested hijab pins. Median age was 19 (11-50) years. Median time from ingestion to presentation was 5 hours (0.5-120). All patients had abdominal Xray. The most common hijab pin location on presentation was in the stomach; n=27 (69%). Data on management was available in 38 patients, of whom 29 (76%) were managed conservatively, 6 (15%) had endoscopy and 3 (8%) had flexible nasal endoscopy (FNE). The reintervention rate was 3% with one patient managed conservatively subsequently having endoscopy. No complications, readmissions or mortality was observed. One OGD was therapeutic Conclusion We report increase in the incidence of FB ingestion with a significant proportion involving hijab pins. Young girls hold pins between their lips while styling their hijabs which can result in accidental ingestion. Although we report low morbidity and readmission rates, there is a 22% intervention rate. We believe there may be a causal link between increased accidental ingestion and popularity of social media content on elaborate hijab styling, some with millions of views each. There is a need to increase awareness on dangers of holding pins in the mouth whilst styling hijabs and alternate options such as hijab magnets