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Published on: September 11, 2018
Retained esophageal foreign bodies in children
B Ravi Shankar1, S K Yachha, B C Sharma
1Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, 226014, Lucknow, India.
Pediatric Surgery International
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Foreign-body ingestion in children can cause serious esophageal issues. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent severe complications like fistulas and impaction above strictures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Foreign-body (FB) ingestion is a frequent occurrence in pediatric patients.
- Esophageal FB retention poses significant risks, potentially leading to severe complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the serious complications associated with retained esophageal foreign bodies in children.
- To emphasize the dangers of FB impaction above esophageal strictures and the consequences of delayed referral.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting on five pediatric patients with retained esophageal foreign bodies.
- Clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- One child presented with massive hematemesis secondary to an esophago-carotid fistula.
- Four children had foreign bodies impacted above pre-existing esophageal strictures.
- Delayed referral was noted as a contributing factor in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Retained esophageal foreign bodies in children can lead to life-threatening complications, including vascular fistulas.
- Impaction of even small foreign bodies above esophageal strictures presents a significant hazard.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing esophageal foreign body ingestions in pediatric populations.
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