What is the role of an endoscopist in foreign body management in the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults?

Background: Foreign body ingestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract is considered an emergency worldwide. The aim of this paper is to report our experience and outcomes in the endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on adult patients (aged >18 years) who received endoscopic management of foreign bodies at xxx between december 2022 and december 2023. Results: A total of 56 patients (male/female: 27/29; median age: 56 years) were included. Chicken bones were the most common ingested foreign bodies (n = 32; 57.1%), and the upper esophagus was the most common lodgment site (n = 28; 50%). The detection rate of ingested foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract tract through plain radiography was 66% (2/3) and computed tomography was 82% (38/46). The average "door-to-scope" was 2.4±1.2 hours. The complication rate was low. Endoscopic treatment was successful in 50 patients (89.3%), and surgical treatment was required in 5 patients (8.9%). There was no mortality associated with the endoscopic procedures of removing foreign bodies. Conclusion: Endoscopic management is a safe and effective procedure for ingested foreign bodies when performed by experienced hands. The endoscopic technique has the advantages of high success rates, a lower incidence of minor complications, and a decreased need for surgery.