[Foreign bodies in the esophagus not removable endoscopically--the surgical procedure and treatment]

During 1991-1997 period 37 patients with foreign bodies in the esophagus were treated in our clinic. In 36 cases the foreign body was "starlet". That is a construction made for this special purpose. It lodges mainly in the upper digestive tract. The most usual localization is the middle third of the esophagus. Unlike the foreign bodies that impact there by accident the operative activity is very high in these cases. Out of the total number of 37 patients 22 were operated, in 7 cases an endoscopic extraction was performed and in one case the foreign body eliminated spontaneously. Three patients died before we performed any manipulations whatsoever and four of them refused any treatment. We offer methods for treating such patients which in our opinion are the most appropriate ones for this type of pathology.