What could be done to remove a small piece of aluminum foil swallowed accidentally?

Hi,

Welcome to Icliniq.com. I understand your concern.

Depending on the location of the foreign body in the throat, the issue can be approached in various ways. To check the location we can do a radiograph, or X-ray of the neck (anteroposterior view and lateral view). This helps to know the exact position. Next, depending on the position, we can either do a rigid laryngoscopy (a procedure to look into the larynx) or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (a procedure to view the upper part of the digestive system) to remove it. A barium swallow also helps localize the foreign body. If it is stuck above the larynx, (like in the base of the tongue, above vocal cords, in the pyriform sinus, in the tonsillar area, or upper pharynx), we can remove using laryngoscopy. The scope will be placed through the open mouth with your tongue held outside by the doctor's left hand. Now when the foreign body is visualized, long twisted forceps can be used to remove it. If the foreign body is still deeper, (like the esophagus or lower than the larynx), anesthesia might be required to remove it as it will be difficult to do as an office procedure. A barium swallow can substitute an endoscopy to localize the problem. However, the foreign body cannot be removed using this method. It is better to seek medical attention immediately. Emergency doctors will localize the foreign body through an X-ray or CT (computerized tomography) scan and call upon the specialists for proper intervention.

I hope this information will help you. Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.