PS01.091: A DANGEROUS FOREIGN BODY IN ESOPHAGUS: ALKALINE BATTERIES

Abstract

Abstract Background Esophageal foreign bodies are an important clinical condition leading to serious morbidity and mortality. Foreign body swallowing is most common in the group of 6 months to 6 years. Although smooth edges have a lower morbidity in foreign bodies, alkaline batteries are very dangerous. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the results of patients who ingested alkaline batteries. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center study of 20 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal foreign objects following alkaline battery ingestion between January 2001 and February 2018. All cases were evaluated with posteroanterior chest X-ray and lateral X-ray. Age and sex of the patients, symptoms, localization of foreign body, the method of removing the foreign body, the passing time, length of hospital stay and morbidity and mortality rates were reviewed. Results The cases were 12 males and 8 females. The mean age was 3.2 years (1 month to 14 years). Five cases within 4 hours, 8 cases within 12 hours, 5 cases within 24 hours and 2 cases after 24 hours were referred to our clinic. The foreign body was located in the cervical esophagus in 10 cases, in the midthoracic esophagus in 8 cases, and in distal esophagus in two cases. All cases were quickly taken to the operating room. All cases underwent rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia and foreign body was removed. Sixteen cases of esophageal mucosal injury and burns were seen. Perforation and mortality were not observed in any of the cases. Conclusion Severe esophageal injury can occur in a short time after interaction with alkaline battery. Alkaline battery; electrolyte leak, pressure necrosis, mercury toxicity, or alkaline environment. Concentrated potassium hydroxide release has a corrosive effect. In this case, mediastinitis or tracheoesophageal fistula may ocur. Alkaline battery ingestion may result in persistent sequelae with perforation and corrosive esophagitis leading to mediastinitis. For this reason, the battery should be immediately removed by rigid esophagoscopy to prevent the development of these complications. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.