Foreign body aspiration or ingestion is a common issue, particularly among children, but it can also occur in adults. When an object is lodged in the airway, digestive tract, or other parts of the body, it can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Emirates Hospitals offers a comprehensive foreign body removal service, employing the latest medical technologies and expert care to ensure a safe and effective removal process. The hospital is committed to providing the highest standard of care for patients facing this potentially dangerous condition.
What is Foreign Body Removal?
Foreign body removal refers to the process of safely extracting an object that has been accidentally inhaled, swallowed, or inserted into the body. This could include a variety of items such as food particles, small toys, coins, or medical devices. At Emirates Hospitals, experienced specialists use advanced techniques like endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery to locate and remove the foreign body, minimizing harm and ensuring a fast recovery for the patient.
Types of Foreign Body Removal
Foreign body removal can occur in various parts of the body, and the method of removal will depend on the object’s location, size, and composition. The main areas where foreign bodies may need to be removed include:
- Airways: Foreign objects lodged in the airways can lead to choking, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Bronchoscopy, a procedure that uses a flexible tube to examine and remove the object, is typically used.
- Digestive Tract: When a foreign body is swallowed, it may become lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. In such cases, endoscopic techniques are often employed to safely remove the object without invasive surgery.
- Other Body Parts: Occasionally, foreign bodies can become embedded in other parts of the body, such as the skin or eyes, requiring specialized procedures for safe extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs include coughing, gagging, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect foreign body ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.
Most foreign body removal procedures are performed under local or general anesthesia, ensuring the process is painless for the patient.
The length of the procedure depends on the location and type of foreign body, but it typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.
Although rare, risks may include injury to surrounding tissues, bleeding, or infection. However, these are minimized with expert care and modern techniques.
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