Esophageal foreign bodies in adults

The main point in managing suspected impaction of esophageal foreign bodies is to decide whether the patient needs an esophageal endoscopy. Decision-making is based on clinical history, physical examination, and radiographic studies. We review 100 cases of adults having esophagoscopy for removal of esophageal foreign bodies. Fish bones were the most frequently responsible foreign body and the cervical esophagus was the most frequent level of impaction. Decision-making based on clinical history and patient-referred symptoms revealed a positive esophagoscopy in 72% of the suspected cases. Radiographic studies gave falsely positive and falsely negative information in 30% of the cases. Rigid esophagoscopy was used successfully for foreign body removal in 99% of the cases. Average hospital stay was 3.2 days. No complications associated with the use of a rigid esophagoscope were found.