This guideline is intended to aid the endoscopist in the management of adult patients with possible foreign object ingestion and/or food bolus impaction. A literature search was performed on the Medline using Medlars II, the National Library of Medicine's National Interactive Retrieval Service. This search generated 181 citations. References chosen for review were English-language citations from the gastroenterology, otolarygology, general surgical, and radiological literature. As little or no data exist from well-designed prospective trials, emphasis was given to results from large series, and reports from recognized experts. In preparing this guideline several drafts were distributed to the members of the ASGE Standards of Practice Committee, to the practice committees of the AGA, ACG, and SAGES, and to national experts on this subject for critical review. A final draft was then reviewed by the ASGE Governing Board. The final guideline reflects the input from this review process.