The American surgeon
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Seven case reports of ingested foreign bodies are presented. Although ingestion of foreign bodies may be a frequent occurrence, 80 per cent of documented ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously. The most frequent victims of foreign body ingestion are children, denture-wearing adults, and the mentally ill. ⋯ Some require surgical removal because of perforation hemorrhage or obstruction. The ileocecal region is the most common site for perforation. Close observation for signs of perforation, hemorrhage, and/or obstruction is mandatory.