P4666 - Endoscopic Salvage of Colonic Obstruction From an Unidentified Fibrous Foreign Body: A Case Report

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM MT

Location: Exhibit Hall

Presenting Author(s)

HK

Hafsa Khan, DO

Hunt Regional Medical Center
Greenville, TX

Mohammed Y. Youssef, MD, Hafsa Khan, DO, Rao Afzal, MD, Rameen Shahid, MBBS, Jaison John, MD
Hunt Regional Medical Center, Greenville, TX

Introduction: There are numerous sources of intestinal foreign bodies, including sex toys, produce, and glass among others. Various treatment approaches are required, depending on the composition of the foreign body. In this abstract we present a case of fibrous foreign body obstructing the colon that was removed by a unique technique utilizing a balloon dilator.

Case Description/

Methods: A 30 year old female with no significant past medical history presented with abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting. CT imaging revealed a copious amount of feces within the proximal colon with mucosal thickening resulting in proximal obstruction from a presumed fixed mass in the left colon (Figure 1). Colonoscopy revealed a foreign body completely occluding the lumen of colon in the descending colon. Attempts to remove it with a net were not successful. Surgery was consulted for possible hemicolectomy, but a second colonoscopy was attempted for colon salvage. Attempts for removal involved use of snares, grasping devices, and nets which were unsuccessful. Given approval from the surgery service, we pushed a 20 mm through the scope balloon dilator blindly through the fibrous tissue (Figure 2). The balloon was inflated, and swept towards the colonoscope. The repeated attempts resulted in significant removal of large pieces of fibrous debris. Mineral oil was lavaged through the working channel into the colon to allow for lubrication and to aid in subsequent passage of debris.The patient was given 2 liters of polyethylene glycol and repeated CT showed near resolution of obstruction. Pathology revealed acellular material with inflammatory cells.

Discussion:
Foreign body ingestions are commonly encountered by gastroenterologists. There are limited tools available to aid in clearance of objects. This case highlights a unique endoscopic intervention using balloon dilation and lavage as an alternative to surgery in the management of colonic obstruction due to foreign body impaction.

Figure: Fig1. CT scan of the abdomen showing colonic impaction

Figure: Fig2. Endoscopic image of the foreign body

Disclosures:
Mohammed Y. Youssef indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Hafsa Khan indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Rao Afzal indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Rameen Shahid indicated no relevant financial relationships.
Jaison John indicated no relevant financial relationships.

Mohammed Y. Youssef, MD, Hafsa Khan, DO, Rao Afzal, MD, Rameen Shahid, MBBS, Jaison John, MD. P4666 - Endoscopic Salvage of Colonic Obstruction From an Unidentified Fibrous Foreign Body: A Case Report, ACG 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Phoenix, AZ: American College of Gastroenterology.