Foreign object removal: What to expect

Getting a foreign object stuck in your body is more common than you might think. It could be something small like a splinter or something more serious like glass, metal or a swallowed object. While it may not always seem urgent, leaving a foreign object in place can lead to infection or other complications.

Foreign objects can become lodged in areas like the skin, eyes, ears, nose or throat. In some cases, they can even be swallowed and get stuck in the digestive tract.

In Kitsap County, it’s important to know when to seek care. If you’re unable to safely remove the object yourself, getting medical attention at a nearby Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Emergency & Urgent Care location can help prevent complications.

When to seek medical attention

You should seek care right away if:

1. It affects your breathing
   If a foreign object is stuck in your nose or throat and makes it hard to breathe, this can quickly become an emergency.
2. It’s in your eye
   The eye is very sensitive. Trying to remove an object yourself can cause more damage, so it’s best to have it evaluated by a provider.
3. It’s lodged deep in the skin
   If you suspect something is embedded beneath the surface, it may require medical removal to avoid infection.

3 common treatments for foreign objects

Treatment depends on where the object is located and how severe the situation is. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Emergency & Urgent Care locations serving Kitsap County, providers can evaluate and remove foreign objects using several common methods.

1. Endoscopic removal

If a foreign object is swallowed and becomes lodged in the throat or digestive tract, providers may use an endoscope — a thin, flexible tube with a camera — to locate and remove it.

2. Incision and removal

When an object is embedded deep in the skin, a provider may need to make a small incision to remove it safely. This is typically done with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.

3. Magnetic extraction

For certain small metal objects, providers may use a specialized magnetic tool to help guide and remove the object from the body.

Removing foreign bodies safely at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Emergency & Urgent Care

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Emergency & Urgent Care locations in Kitsap County — including Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard — you don’t have to decide where to go. Our teams provide both urgent and emergency care under one roof, so you’ll receive the right level of care based on your condition.

With on-site labs and imaging, providers can quickly locate and safely remove foreign objects and treat any related complications — all close to home.