Study about POCUS: A Novel Method for Screening and Follow up of Foreign Bodies of Upper Esophagus- Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is common problem in children, with cervical esophagus  common site of their lodgement. Although X-ray is the primary investigation for FB detection, but it does not detect radiolucent FB.  Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) can have a role in these cases. Case Examples: We present 2 cases of FB coin ingestion in which one case had spontaneous passage of coin detected by POCUS in preoperative area and one case with plastic FB ingestion (non radio-opaque) identified and located by POCUS.  Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the upper airway as an investigation arm in demonstrating the passage of upper oesophageal FB coin gives the advantage of its real time assessment just before taking the patient for its removal under GA and has potential benefits for both provider as well as the patient. The POCUS helps in real time assessment of FB coin with potential of reduction in 2nd check X-ray and in radiolucent FB can serve as a screening diagnostic tool.