A Novel Endoscopic Method to Relieve Food Impaction Using an Inflatable Balloon

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Esophageal Diseases

Background:

• Food impaction in the esophagus is a frequent medical emergency.
• Most cases resolve spontaneously, but some require intervention.
• Traditional endoscopic methods include nets, snares, and forceps for food removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel approach for managing refractory esophageal food impaction.
• To highlight the utility of inflatable balloons in specific impaction scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A case of proximal esophageal food impaction was managed.
• Conventional endoscopic techniques (Roth net, snare, forceps) were attempted first.
• An inflatable balloon was used when traditional methods were unsuccessful.

Main Results:

• Conventional endoscopic methods failed to relieve the proximal esophageal food impaction.
• Successful dislodgement of impacted food was achieved using an inflatable balloon.
• The patient's impaction was resolved with the balloon technique.

Conclusions:

• Inflatable balloons can be an effective alternative for esophageal food impaction when standard endoscopic tools fail.
• This technique offers a viable option for managing challenging proximal esophageal food impactions.
• Further research may explore the broader application of balloon-assisted endoscopic management for esophageal food impaction.