Anesthetic Challenges in A Case of Recurrent Intentional Foreign Body Ingestion

Authors

• Gabrielle Gappy, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
• Amanda Herrera, Corewell Health East Resident
• Roy Soto, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-18-2026

Abstract

A 27-year-old female with borderline personality disorder underwent near-weekly endoscopic procedures to remove intentionally ingested sharp foreign bodies, including glass fragments and screws. Her prolonged, recurrent course was notable for chronic use of multiple psychotropic and sedative medications and intermittent ICU sedation with dexmedetomidine for severe agitation; ketamine was ineffective. Recurrent incidents raised concern for cumulative anesthetic exposure and escalating sedative requirements. Uncertain or unwitnessed ingestion timing further increased aspiration risk and complicated airway planning. This case highlights the anesthesiologist’s role in developing adaptive strategies to manage repeated sedation, evolving pharmacologic responses, and airway risk in patients with behavioral dysregulation undergoing frequent procedures.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting, October 16-20, 2026, San Diego, CA

Recommended Citation

Gappy G, Herrera A, Soto R. Anesthetic challenges in a case of recurrent intentional foreign body ingestion. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Meeting; 2026 Oct 18; San Diego, CA. Available from: https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21448/presentation/7709