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Management of sharp esophageal foreign bodies in young children: a cause for worry

Naresh K Panda1, K V S S Sastry, Nidhi Bidyut Panda

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. npanda@satyam.net.in

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|July 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Sharp foreign bodies in the esophagus are rare in children. Two young children required cervical esophagotomy for removal after endoscopic attempts failed, highlighting the need for specific management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Esophageal foreign bodies are common in children, with coins being the most frequent type, especially in toddlers (ages 2-5).
  • Sharp esophageal foreign bodies are less common but pose significant risks.

Observation:

  • This report details two cases of young children presenting with sharp esophageal foreign bodies.
  • Initial endoscopic removal attempts were unsuccessful in both cases.

Findings:

  • Both children required cervical esophagotomy, a surgical neck incision, for successful foreign body removal.
  • This underscores the challenges associated with sharp esophageal foreign bodies.

Implications:

  • Effective evaluation and management protocols are crucial for sharp and penetrating esophageal foreign bodies in pediatric patients.
  • Cervical esophagotomy may be necessary when endoscopic removal fails.

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