Removal of foreign bodies from esophagus and stomach with flexible fiberoptic panendoscopes

Accidentally swallowed foreign bodies were removed from the esophagus or stomach in six children using flexible panendoscopes. Complications did not occur. The increased flexibility of these new instruments allows removal of objects from the stomach that would previously have required gastrotomy. Our experience suggests that fiberoptic endoscopy should be used for removal of foreign bodies.