Migrating foreign bodies in the upper digestive tract

Migrating foreign bodies in the aerodigestive tract are not so uncommon. Two cases of penetrating and migrating extraluminal foreign bodies in the upper aerodigestive tract are presented. Both patients had ingested fish bones. Fish bones are the commonest of bones to be ingested. Sharp and pointed fish bones are more likely to penetrate extraluminally. A high index of suspicion is necessary to institute early treatment. A CAT scan is invaluable in locating the foreign body especially with regards to surgical landmarks at exploration. Early surgical intervention avoids life-threatening complications.