[Esophageal injuries caused by a swallowed foreign body. A life-threatening condition]

Report on a case in which a protracted foreign body in the esophagus (chicken bone) had perforated the wall in the cervical area and had led to premonitory bleeding and finally to massive hemorrhage. Neither before had further symptoms occurred regarding to the esophageal perforation such as mediastinitis or subcutaneous emphysema nor had the attempt been successful to picture the transmural lesion. With an appropriate history of the foreign body and relapsing gastro-intestinal hemorrhage--despite a negative endoscopic result--an esophageal lesion must be highly suspected as causing bleeding. The immediate thoracotomy for wound repair is strongly indicated.