Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
[Esophageal foreign bodies. Our ten years of experience]
J R Benito Navarro1, A del Cuvillo Bernal, E Porras Alonso
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz. jrbenito_orl@notmail.com
Objective:
To study the management of esophageal foreign bodies.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was made of all rigid esophagoscopies performed for suspected foreign bodies in the esophagus by an otolaryngology department for ten years.
Results:
Rigid esophagoscopy was performed for suspected foreign bodies in 46 patients (27 females, 19 males); age range 22 months to 88 years. In 40 cases an impacted foreign body was found. The most frequent location was the upper third of the esophagus (33/82.5%). The most common type of foreign body was chicken bones in adults (17/42) and coins in children (2/4). Nine patients (all adults) had complications.
Conclusions:
Due to its low cost and morbility, flexible endoscopy is the first choice for managing esophageal foreign bodies. Rigid esophagoscopy is still an appropriate technique when flexible endoscopy fails or it is not possible.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:

