From 1989 to 1998 we experienced 29 patients who were removed foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract by endoscopy at Jikei Aoto Hospital.
Most of foreign materials are coin and button shaped battery for children, but press through pack (PTP) and fish bone for adult. All endoscopic removals were performed without complications. All foreign bodies have not to be removed by endoscopy. We consider removal of foreign bodies as follows.
Esophageal foreign bodies have to be removed immediately because they cause the esophageal ulcer and perforation. Almost gastric foreign bodies are discharged naturally. But sharp or long foreign bodies are intended for endoscopic removal. Button shaped batteries which remains in stomach over 24～48 hours should extract because it causes chemical and electric damage. It is concluded that hearing of clinical history and exact endoscopy are necessary.
