Ingested fork impacted in stomach - challenge for risky endoscopy or primary surgery

Abstract

The ingestion of metallic (radiopaque) foreign bodies remains a common problem amongst prison population. A 34-year-old male prisoner swallowed a dinner fork in an attempt to escape justice. Attempts for endoscopic extraction were unsuccessful. The patient underwent laparotomy and via gastrotomy a 15-cm length fork was removed. Based upon our previous experience, we recommend immediate surgical removal if the attempt for endoscopic retrieval had failed. Prevention measures in prison inmates may significantly decrease the incidence rate.