Analysis of Coins in the Esophagus / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Esophageal foreign bodies caused by accidents and carelessness are very common problems in otorhinolaryngology field. They are closely related to regional life style, culture, and economical status. The lodgement of coins in the esophagus is one of the most common foreign body problems. It occurs usually under the age of 10 years. From March, 1981 through September, 1996, one hundred and forty-nine patients were analysed. Most common coin type was one hundred won-coin(51.2mm flat circumference). One half of the cases were under 3.5 years old. Ninety percent of the cases were under 7.6 years of age. Over half the ten won-coins(48.8mm flat circumference) were found under 3.3 years old, and 90 percent of the cases in which those coins were lodged were found to be less than 4.5 years of age. None could seen under one years old or above ten. This result suggests that there are relative correlation between coin size and patient age.