Cricoid pressure and sharp foreign bodies.

Abstract

Cricoid pressure may be performed when a sharp object such as an animal bone is lodged in the post-cricoid oesophagus. This study was undertaken to determine what damage, if any, may be caused to the oesophagus. A sharp foreign body was inserted into the post-cricoid region of 15 cadavers. In five cases no other procedure was performed. In the remaining 10 cases, intubation with and without cricoid pressure was also performed. No significant damage was visible to the naked eye when the oesophagus was subsequently examined. Cricoid pressure does not seem to result in significant damage in this situation.