Esophageal Foreign Body in Children: Clinical Features, Management Challenges, and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Otolaryngology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a frequent occurrence in children.
• Esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) pose significant risks requiring timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of pediatric esophageal foreign body ingestion.
• To identify risk factors and predictors of complications in pediatric FB ingestion cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of pediatric EFB cases from January 2014 to December 2022.
• Analysis of patient demographics, FB characteristics, impaction details, clinical symptoms, and treatment outcomes.
• Evaluation of complications associated with EFB ingestion and removal.

Main Results:

• 95 pediatric cases reviewed; median age 4 years, 6-hour average delay to consultation.
• Coins and blunt objects were most common (87.4%), followed by sharp items (9.5%) and button batteries (2.1%).
• Complications (6.3%) included mucosal lesions, bronchospasm, stenosis, and perforation, predicted by sharp FB and button batteries.

Conclusions:

• Rigid esophagoscopy is an effective method for pediatric foreign body removal.
• Clinicians must recognize the heightened risk of complications with sharp FBs and button batteries.
• Parental education and prompt, accurate diagnosis are crucial for preventing severe complications.