X-ray findings in deliberately incorporated foreign bodies

Observations of 181 foreign body introductions in 99 patients are reported. It is possible to differentiate between an oral, transanal, transcutaneous, transurethral, transvenous, transaural way and exceptional cases. Orally introduced foreign bodies up to a length of 12-15 cm usually pass spontaneously: longer foreign bodies must be removed endoscopically or surgically. A special problem is connected with foreign bodies which are swallowed together in a parallel position and form a cross in the stomach. Intravenously introduced foreign bodies like metallic mercury and copper wire were well tolerated by the patients. - Individual observations concern a patient who swallowed a screw driver (about 10 cm in length) and water intoxication in 3 patients (one of whom died) who drank 9-17 liters during 1-2 hours.