The Foreign Body

More about the book

Radiologist Andrew Del Gaizo presents a captivating exploration of "foreign bodies," objects found in inappropriate locations within the human body. The text is accessible to all readers, whether medical professionals or laypersons, and invites reactions of disbelief and curiosity. With intriguing x-rays of foreign bodies that led patients to emergency rooms, the book avoids complex medical jargon, allowing everyone to engage with the material. Readers are encouraged to guess the identity of the foreign objects, with occasional clues provided, making the visuals a central aspect of the narrative. Each x-ray is accompanied by an explanation of how the object ended up in the body, often revealing fascinating stories behind the images. To ensure privacy, all patient information has been anonymized. The x-rays are categorized into three groups: 1. **Ingested or Inhaled** – This category highlights the dangers of objects stuck in the gastrointestinal tract, including sharp items or toxic batteries. 2. **Introduced** – Featuring cases related to firearms and knives, these x-rays help characterize and localize weapons, serving both medical and forensic purposes. 3. **Inserted** – This unique category addresses foreign bodies introduced under unusual circumstances, showcasing the more unconventional cases encountered in medical practice.