[Esophageal foreign bodies: analysis of 188 cases]

Esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) represent an urgent clinical condition that can be seen in all ages, especially in children, and sometimes cause important morbidity and mortality. Rigid endoscopy is the most important diagnostic and treatment tool in EFBs, although there are some risks.

Between 1996-2006, the records of 188 inpatient cases (111 males [59%], 77 females [41%]; mean age 19+/-22.63; range 4 months to 96 years) who underwent rigid endoscopy were evaluated retrospectively.

There was a history of foreign body in 158 cases (84%), and foreign body was shown by chest X-ray in 145 cases (77.1%). Of the foreign bodies, 137 (79.2%) were located in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. While the most commonly detected foreign bodies were coins (72 cases) and bones (42 cases), no foreign body was detected in 15 cases (8%) in rigid esophagoscopy. Foreign body was removed via surgery in 5 cases. Esophageal rupture as a complication during esophagoscopy occurred in 2 cases (1.06%). Mean hospital stay was 1.82+/-1.60 days. Mortality occurred in 1 case (.53%).

Complications may be prevented with early diagnosis and accurate treatment. Rigid endoscopy is an effective and safe procedure for foreign body removal.