Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Rigid versus flexible endoscopy for managing ingested foreign bodies-can we improve pathways?
Richard Jackson1, Emilien Chabrillac2,3, Alexandra Bell4
1Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK.
Purpose:
This study aims to evaluate management pathways, outcomes and safety of rigid endoscopy (RE) and flexible endoscopy (FE) for the treatment of impacted foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) in adults.
Methods:
Retrospective study, included all patients undergoing RE or FE for impacted UGIT foreign body over an 11-year-period.
Results:
A total of 144 patients were included (95 FE and 49 RE). FE were performed under local anaesthetic or sedation, and RE under GA. Success rate of FE and RE were 95.8% and 95.9% respectively. During FE an intra-procedural biopsy was performed in 45/95 (47.3%); with 26/95(27.4%) identifying mucosal pathology. Complications was significantly higher in patients having RE (40.8% versus 6.3%, p = .001).
Conclusion:
FE and RE are effective for the therapeutic management of impacted UGIT foreign bodies. However, FE can be performed under LA and was associated with fewer complications, favouring FE where possible as a first line option.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

