Endoscopic treatment for foreign body impaction in esophagus

Abstract

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment for foreign body impaction in the esophagus. Methods Demographic and endoscopic data of a total of 78 patients with esophagus foreign body impactions were retrospectively studied, which included foreign body types, number, location and duration of impaction, associated esophageal diseases, endoscopic procedures and complications. The factors which influenced the complications and procedure time were also statistically analyzed. Results Impaction （80. 7% ） and perforation （66. 7% ） most frequently occurred in the upper esophagus. Duration of foreign body impaction exceeded 24 hours in 11 patients （ 14. 1% ） , which was less than 24 hours in 67 others （85.9%）. All of the foreign bodies were successfully removed （2 cases of perforation were transferred to other department for further treatment）, and there was no mortality related to endoscopic management occurred. The common complications included mucosal injury, bleeding, and perforation. Shape of the foreign bodies, duration of impaction and status of perforation were the main influential factors on procedure time and complications （P 〈 0. 05）. Conclusion The endoscopic management for esophageal foreign body impaction is safe and effective. It is the first choice for those whose esophagus is perforated with foreign bodies for less than 24 hours and with no abscesses out of esophageal tract. Key words: Impacted esophagus foreign bodies; Endoscopic management