Extraction of hollow gastric foreign bodies by flexible upper endoscopy assisted by a through-the-scope balloon catheter for anchoring

Background: Various methods have been used to remove foreign bodies; hollow foreign bodies deserve special consideration. The main difficulty encountered in such situations is the anatomic obstacle of the lower and upper esophageal sphincters along with a risk of perforation. Objective: We describe a unique approach by using an esophageal balloon dilator to anchor a hollow foreign body onto an endoscope, which allows for the successful extraction of such objects with minimal risk. Design: Case series. Setting: Shands Jacksonville and University of Florida/Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida. Patients: Two consecutive patients with hollow foreign bodies in the stomach that required removal. Interventions: A combined approach by using an endoscope and a 20-mm by 8-cm esophageal balloon dilator to remove hollow foreign bodies from the stomach. Main Outcome Measurements: Nonsurgical removal of hollow gastric foreign bodies. Results: Both foreign bodies were successfully removed from the stomach and extracted by mouth with this technique. There were no complications after both procedures. Conclusions: The inflated esophageal balloon that anchors a hollow foreign body onto a flexible endoscopic technique is a safe and effective alternative to previously described methods for removal of such foreign bodies in the gastric cavity. This method may be applicable to the removal of other hollow objects within the gastric lumen.