Patient with foreign objects in stomach

A 35-year-old man in Somalia arrived at the emergency room with repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, and a swollen stomach. An abdominal X-ray showed a clear metallic mass in the upper left part of his abdomen, near the stomach.

Foreign objects identified

Doctors performed a high digestive endoscopy, which allowed them to look inside the stomach. They found 30 metal keys and two magnets inside the patient's stomach. The examination also showed mild ulcers on the lining of the stomach.

Foreign objects removed safely

Using a flexible gastroscope, which has a tiny camera, light, and a channel for tools, the doctors explored the esophagus and stomach. They used a grasper and a basket catheter to remove the objects one by one, avoiding damage to the tissues. A follow-up X-ray confirmed that the stomach was empty after the procedure.

Patient's psychiatric history

The patient had been diagnosed with schizophrenia 11 years ago but had not received any psychiatric treatment. After a short hospital stay, he was referred to a psychiatry department. Doctors could not determine how long the keys had been in his stomach but believed he had swallowed them shortly before arriving at the hospital. The stomach ulcers were mild, indicating a recent ingestion.

Psychiatric care and prevention

Intentionally swallowing foreign objects is a known medical issue, especially among people with psychiatric conditions. Men are more commonly affected than women, with a ratio of about 1.5 men to every woman. While endoscopy can remove objects without surgery, preventing future incidents remains a challenge. The doctors involved in the case emphasized the need for psychiatric follow-up alongside medical treatment to avoid recurrences.