Foreign bodies in the digestive tract represent a frequent pathology for the emergency service. Foreign bodies are represented by impacted food bolus or voluntarily and involuntarily swallowed objects. Involuntary swallowing of objects occurs most frequently in children, especially between six months and three years of age. Food impaction is mostly encountered among adults with different pathologies. For the removal of swallowed foreign bodies, digestive endoscopy is the gold standard method, being successful in over 95% of cases without significant complications. For the endoscopic management of foreign bodies, it is crucial to be aware of the indications, devices, techniques and patient preparation in order to achieve successful and safe removal from the digestive tract. Recommendations in this article are based on a review of the literature and extensive personal experience.

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most common infectious pathologies spread globally, the prevalence being differently distributed from a geographical point of view. There are an estimated 350 million people infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), the prevalence being high (>8%), intermediate (2–7%) and low (<2%). Approximately 1/3 of the world’s population has an HBV exposure marker, characterized by the presence of HBc antibodies in the serum. In the last two decades, the number of cases of acute or chronic HBV infection has decreased due to the anti-HBV vaccination programs, the increase in the socioeconomic level and the access to antiviral treatment. In the absence of specific measures, the number of deaths due to the evolution of chronic HBV infection (liver cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma, liver failure) is predicted to reach 1.14 million in 2035. In this chapter, we discuss the main ways of transmission of the hepatitis B virus along with effective prevention strategies.

Liver transplantation represents the definitive intervention for various etiologies of liver failure and encompasses a spectrum of rare indications crucial to understanding the diverse landscape of end-stage liver disease, with significantly improved survival rates over the past three decades. Apart from commonly encountered liver transplant indications such as decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer, several rare diseases can lead to transplantation. Recognition of these rare indications is essential, providing a lifeline to individuals facing complex liver disorders where conventional treatments fail. Collaborative efforts among healthcare experts lead not only to timely interventions but also to the continuous refinement of transplant protocols. This continued evolution in transplant medicine promises hope for those facing diverse and rare liver diseases, marking a paradigm shift in the landscape of liver disease management.