摘出に工夫を要した食道異物の２症例

Abstract

Two cases of esophageal foreign bodies were reported. As they were difficult to remove with a rigid esophagoscope and forceps, we used other techniques and could eventually remove them successfully.Case 1 was a 14-month-old boy who complained of vomiting. Since a plain radiogram of his neck and chest revealed a round shadow just at the cricopharyngeal constriction, we made a diagnosis of an esophageal foreign body, and surgery was performed. We tried to remove the foreign body with a rigid esophagoscope and forceps, but it was too smooth for the forceps to hold. Thus we inserted a Foley catheter over the foreign body with the forceps, inflated the balloon on the gastric side, and drew out the catheter with the foreign body. The foreign body turned out to be a marble made of glass.Case 2 was a 69-year-old male who had ingested his dentures by mistake. The radiogram of his neck showed an opaque binding shadow at the cricopharyngeal constriction. Though we tried to remove this with a rigid esophagoscope and forceps, it was firmly affixed to the esophageal wall. When we inserted a rectoscope, instead, and expanded the cricopharyngeal constriction, the foreign body was mobilized and we could remove it successfully.Both of the above cases experienced no severe complications. It is important to diagnose the general condition of patients and the variety of foreign body appropriately in order to better choose the proper method for their treatment.