Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
[Foreign bodies in the esophagus]
C Morales-Angulo1, J Rodríguez Iglesias, A Mazón Gutiérrez
1Servicio de ORL, Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega.
Objective:
To study the management (diagnostic and therapeutic) of esophageal foreign bodies.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective study was made of all rigid esophagoscopies performed for suspected foreign bodies in the esophagus by the otolaryngology department of Marqués de Valdecilla Hospital (Santander, Spain) from 1992 to 1996.
Results:
Rigid esophagoscopy was performed for suspected foreign bodies in 195 patients (121 females, 74 males; age range 2 to 97 years). In 183 cases an impacted foreign body was found. The most frequent location was the upper third of the esophagus (165/85.2%). The most common type of foreign body was fish bones in adults (75/171) and coins in children (7/12). In 145 cases a barium esophagogram was obtained before surgery, which yielded 1 false negative and 8 false positives. In 16 patients flexible endoscopy had failed previously to remove the foreign body. Twelve patients (all adults) had serious complications.
Conclusions:
The barium esophagogram and rigid esophagoscopy are still appropriate techniques for managing esophageal foreign bodies.
Related Concept Videos
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
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...
Esophageal Achalasia

