Endoscopic management and determinants of success in upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies

Purpose: This study aims to analyze patients with foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract and evaluate endoscopic treatment modalities and clinical outcomes.Materials and Methods: Patients with upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies who underwent emergency flexible endoscopy at Adana City Hospital between September 2017 and December 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical presentations, type and localization of foreign bodies, endoscopic treatment, and outcomes were assessed.Results: A total of 127 patients were included. Foreign bodies were most frequently localized in the esophagus (n=76, 59.8%), with proximal esophageal impaction in 44 cases (57.9%). The most commonly used endoscopic retrieval device was alligator/rat-tooth forceps (n=57, 44.9%). The mean time to endoscopy was 2.3 hours (range: 1–8 hours). Endoscopic removal was successful in 116 patients (91.3%). The most important factor affecting endoscopic success was the type of foreign body; the endoscopic success rate was 97.5% for soft foreign bodies, and the difference between soft and plastic foreign bodies was statistically significant. Conclusion: Endoscopic methods are highly effective and safe for the removal of upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies, with a 91.3% success rate. The most important determinants of endoscopic success were the type of foreign body and the chosen endoscopic technique.