Esophageal foreign bodies

ABSTRACT

Foreign body ingestion is a common occurrence in children and high risk groups of adults such as those with underlying esophageal disease, the mentally retarded, and those with psychiatric illnesses.For this existing data type study all patients who had referred during a 4-year period [1993-96] to Loghman Hakim and Taleghani hospitals with the diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies were included.The study population included 77 children and 123 adults [89 females and 111 males]. Most of the affected subjects aged 2-6 years. The most frequently ingested objects were coins [45.5%], bones [meat, chicken, fish] [33%], vegetable objects [8.5%], dentures [5%] and other metal and non metal objects [8.5%]. The most prominent complaints were dysphasia with pain [54.5%], dysphasia without pain [21%], pain without dysphasia [8%], no dysphasia or pain [16.5%]. Radiographic studies revealed soft tissue in neck region and foreign bodies in 84% of the cases. Rigid esophagoscopy was performed to remove the foreign bodies, however, in 12% of cases complications including bleeding of hypopharynx and esophagus [3%], tearing of mucous membrane [8.5%], perforation of esophageal wall and mediastinitis [0.5%] did occur.Early detection of esophageal foreign bodies is of utmost importance since their complications are serious and can be life-threatening