Ingested needle - Chest X-ray
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Ingested needle - Chest X-ray
- This patient accidentally swallowed a needle. The chest X-ray shows it has passed into the abdomen.
- If an object - which is known to be radio-opaque - is swallowed, then a chest X-ray is the first investigation.
- If the object has passed beyond the gastroesophageal junction into the abdomen then it will usually pass safely through the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
Ingested needle - Abdominal X-ray
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Ingested needle - Abdominal X-ray
- If the object is sharp then some surgeons will request repeat images to ensure it safely passes beyond the stomach. An abdominal X-ray is also indicated if gastrointestinal symptoms develop.
- An abdominal X-ray was performed when mild abdominal pain developed. There was no evidence of perforation on this X-ray, or the erect chest X-ray, and the needle passed safely.
Ingested razor blade - Abdominal X-ray
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Ingested razor blade - Abdominal X-ray
- This self-harming patient swallowed a razor blade. It is located on the right side of the abdomen and is therefore beyond the stomach. It passed throughout the rest of the bowel without complication.
Ingested nail - Abdominal X-ray
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Ingested nail - Abdominal X-ray
- This self-harming patient swallowed a nail which has reached the caecum in this image. It too passed without complication.