Management of patients who ingest razor blades: a singlecenter experience

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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department following razor blade ingestion. METHODS: Hospital records of patients who presented to the emergency department with razor blade ingestion and were referred to the General Surgery Clinic between 2021 and 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, presenting symptoms, time to presentation, number of ingested razor blades, imaging findings, treatment approaches, complications, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients with complete medical records were included. All patients were male and incarcerated. The mean age was 31.2 years, and the mean time to presentation was 8 hours. The mean number of ingested razor blades was 1.4. Endoscopic intervention was performed in seven patients (10%) in whom imaging localized the razor blade to the stomach; all presented within 6 hours of ingestion. Successful endoscopic removal was achieved in two patients, while no razor blade was visualized in the stomach in five patients. Surgical intervention was required in two patients (3%). A total of 63 patients (87%) recovered without intervention with outpatient conservative management and follow-up. Successful endoscopic removal was achieved in patients who presented within the first 2 hours. No morbidity or mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: A conservative management is safe and effective in most cases of razor blade ingestion. Early endoscopy may decrease the likelihood of surgical intervention.