Rigid Esophagoscopy Research Articles

Chest Tube Placement of Secondary Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis: Overcoming Challenging Anatomy in the Laryngectomy Patient.

Introduction: Total laryngectomy is used to cure advanced larynx cancer in many patients. The removal of the larynx requires the rehabilitation of the patient's ability to communicate, and one common method is to place a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP) as a secondary procedure after the patient has completed cancer treatment. The traditional technique utilizes a rigid esophagoscope for access, but this can prove difficult in many patients who have kyphosis, scarring of the neck, or trismus. We describe a technique to allow TEP placement in these challenging patients that does not utilize rigid esophagoscopy to access the tracheoesophageal puncture site. Methods: For more than 15 years, the senior authors of this study have used this technique in patients in whom traditional methods of TEP with rigid esophagoscope were unsuccessful or not attempted due to the anticipated high probability of failure. The ease of this technique has prompted its use for all patients undergoing secondary TEP placement in their practice. The technique is described in detail in the Methods section below. Results: The described method has been successfully utilized to place TEPs in many patients with challenging anatomy. There have been no failed placements, including a patient with severe trismus who was able to have a TEP placed by placing the chest tube and flexible endoscope transnasally. Further, because of precise visualization and ease of the technique, there have been no observed complications of injury to the pharyngoesophageal lumen or creation of a false passage. Conclusion: The use of a chest tube and flexible scope allows for the protection of the pharyngoesophageal lumen, precise visualization and placement of the puncture, and avoidance of a false tracheoesophageal passage, all while minimizing the need for extension of the patient's neck. This has proven ideal for patients suffering the consequences of cancer treatment such as cervical scarring, fibrosis, kyphosis, and trismus.

A Retrospective Review of the Management of Impacted Coin Ingested in Children.

Accidental coin ingestion is a common presentation amongst paediatric patients in emergency departments (ED) worldwide, necessitating prompt management to prevent complications. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of paediatric patients with impacted oesophageal coins at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital ED and compare outcomes between the balloon catheter and oesophagoscopic techniques for coin extraction. This was a retrospective review of the medical records of patients aged ≤12 years over 5 years. Data were collected from the hospital records and analysed using SAS® (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC), Release 9.3, running under Microsoft Windows. The analysis included 95 patients (51 females, 44 males) with a median age of 3 years, ranging from 0.70 to 10 years. Coins were predominantly located in the upper oesophagus (71.6%). Thirty-five (36%) children presented 8 h after the ingestion of the coin. At presentation, 82 (86.3%) patients were asymptomatic. The most observed symptoms were hypersalivation in 17 (17.9%) patients and vomiting in eight (8.4%) patients. Of the 62 patients for whom the balloon catheter was solely used, it was successful in 77.4% of the cases. Rigid oesophagoscopy was used in 33 patients as the first procedure (34.7%), and its overall success rate was 100% (44 patients). This study contributes valuable insights into the management of oesophageal coin ingestion in a resource-constrained setting, emphasising the safety and efficacy of the balloon catheter and the role of rigid oesophagoscopy in cases of failure or delayed presentation.

445nm Blue Laser for Cricopharyngeal Myotomy/Zenker's Diverticulotomy: Proof of Concept and Use.

Treatment for Zenker's diverticulum and cricopharyngeal dysfunction has evolved to include flexible endoscopic approaches. Currently, no flexible modalities combine the precision cutting of CO2 laser and the hemostasis of knife electrocautery. We present the first series describing fiber-based 445nm blue light (BL) laser for endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy/Zenker's diverticulotomy. We describe usage characteristics and laser parameters with rigid esophagoscopy to determine the feasibility of use with flexible endoscopy. Retrospective review and literature review. The first nine cases of endoscopic diverticulotomy (n = 5) and cricopharyngeal myotomy (n = 4) with BL were reviewed. Rigid exposure was achieved with the Dohlman Slimline diverticuloscope. Mean age was 75.6 years. Average diverticulum depth was 0.89 cm ±1.0 cm. Pulsed mode was used in seven cases with mean of 6.86 W, 54 ms pulse on, and 286 ms pulse pause and overall mean of 6.00 W and 405 J. Complete myotomy with intact buccopharyngeal fascia and without bleeding limiting view was achieved in all patients. One of two patients in whom continuous wave setting was used developed subcutaneous emphysema following vigorous cough on POD0; this resolved after 7 days nothing per oral (NPO). Eight patients were started on oral intake without evidence for leak. Pulsed mode with fiber-to-tissue contact provided effective muscle cutting without disruption of buccopharyngeal fascia. Literature review yielded three articles examining flexible approach with laser for Zenker's and none with BL. BL provides safe and effective fiber-based cutting and hemostasis in endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy/Zenker's diverticulotomy. Future use in flexible endoscopic approaches appears feasible, though continuous wave should be avoided. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4620-4624, 2024.

Foreign Bodies in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology: A Review.

Foreign bodies (FBs) in pediatric otorhinolaryngology represent up to 10% of cases in emergency departments (ED) and are primarily present in children under five years old. They are probably the result of children's curiosity and tendency to explore the environment. Aural and nasal FBs are the most common and accessible, and the removal methods differ depending on the exact location and type of FB, which can be organic or inorganic. A fish bone stuck in one of the palatine tonsils is the most common pharyngeal FB. Laryngopharyngeal FBs can obstruct the upper respiratory tract and thus become acutely life-threatening, requiring an urgent response. Aspiration of FBs is common in children between 1 and 4 years old. A history of coughing and choking is an indication of diagnostic and therapeutic methods to rule out or confirm a tracheobronchial FB. Regardless of the availability of radiological diagnostics, rigid bronchoscopy is the diagnostic and therapeutic method of choice in symptomatic cases. Radiological diagnostics are more significant in treating esophageal FBs since most are radiopaque. Flexible or rigid esophagoscopy is a successful method of removal. A delayed diagnosis, as with tracheobronchial FBs, can lead to fatal consequences.

Esophageal button battery impactions in children: an analysis of 89 cases

ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics of esophageal button battery impactions in children and explore safe and effective treatment methods.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary care center, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, encompassing 89 children diagnosed with esophageal button battery impactions between January 2013 and January 2023. To minimize esophageal mucosal corrosion, prompt removal of the button battery with a first-aid fast track rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia was performed within thirty minutes of diagnosis. The clinical features and complications were recorded and analyzed.ResultsButton battery as esophageal foreign body was prevalent among children under 3 years old (79.8%), with boys exhibiting a higher incidence rate (56.2%) compared to girls (43.8%), and an average age of 25.8 months. The median duration from ingestion to hospital admission was 3 h (range: 0.5 h to 3 months). Common symptoms included vomiting and dysphagia, with early stage vomiting of brown foamy secretions being a characteristic presentation of esophageal button battery impactions. The majority (77.5%) of batteries were lodged in the upper esophagus. The larger batteries were verified to be more prone to complications. All 89 cases exhibited varying degrees of esophageal mucosal erosion, with 31 cases (34.8%) experiencing severe complications, including esophageal stenosis in 11 cases (35.5%), esophageal perforation in 9 cases (29%) with 4 cases of tracheoesophageal fistula, vocal cord paralysis in 6 cases (19.4%), hemorrhage in 2 cases (6.5%), mediastinitis in 2 cases (6.5%), and periesophageal abscess in 1 case (3.2%). Despite the severity of these complications, none of the patients died after emergency surgery.ConclusionEsophageal button battery impactions can lead to significant damage to the esophageal mucosa due to its strong corrosiveness. Prompt action is crucial to mitigate the risk of complications. For the first time, we implement a first-aid fast track surgical intervention following diagnosis is imperative to minimize the incidence of adverse outcomes.

Frequency of oesophageal foreign bodies ingested by children presenting to the ENT department.

Objective: To determine the frequencies of different esophageal foreign bodies ingested by children presenting to Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Period: 2nd July 2020 to 31st December 2022. Material & Methods: Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 168 patients, aged between 6 months and 11 years, presenting with suspected esophageal foreign bodies, were included in the study after obtaining written consent. Socio-demographic information, clinical history, and symptoms were carefully recorded. Diagnostic procedures included neck X-rays, extended to the chest, and abdominal X-rays as necessary. Rigid esophagoscopy, performed under general anesthesia, was utilized to confirm and remove foreign bodies. Subsequently, the nature and type of the extracted foreign bodies were identified and documented using a standardized pro forma. Results: The mean age of the patients was 5.63 ± 3.097, ranging from 1 to 11 years. Regarding the gender distribution, 105 (62.5%) were male, and 63 (37.5%) were female. When considering the types of foreign bodies, 129 (76.8%) presented with coins, 12 (7.1%) with metallic objects, 7 (4.2%) with battery cells, and 9 (5.4%) with fruit seeds. Additionally, there were a few cases of chicken bones, fish bones, and safety pins, accounting for 9 (5.4%) in the category of other foreign bodies. Conclusion: This study underscores the frequent occurrence of esophageal foreign body ingestion in young children, particularly males under the age of 5, with coins identified as the predominant culprits.

To flex or not to flex: oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction in the modern age.

Oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction is a common presentation to emergency departments. Often these patients are given medication with little evidence of efficacy. Although many cases self-resolve, some require removal of the obstruction. Delay in removal can lead to complications such as oesophageal perforation and mediastinitis. Traditionally, removal was performed by ENT surgeons using rigid oesophagoscopy, but oesophago-gastro duodenoscopy offers a safer alternative that does not require a general anaesthetic. The current performance, pathways and outcomes of patients attending emergency departments across three health boards in Scotland were reviewed. In total, 313 patients admitted for oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction were identified. Mixed practice for a single common presentation was observed. In addition, it was found that the majority of patients are already managed by surgery and gastroenterology services with good outcomes and low morbidity. Patients presenting with soft food bolus obstruction should be referred to local surgery and gastroenterology services in the first instance.

Diagnosis, treatment, and management of esophageal foreign bodies in patients with mental retardation: A retrospective study from three centers.

This study aims to assess the outcomes and prognosis of surgical interventions aimed at removing esophageal foreign bodies in patients with mental retardation. Between January 2010 and January 2021, a total of 30 consecutive patients (20 males, 10 females; median age: 29.5 years; range, 2 to 57 years) with mental retardation who were diagnosed with esophageal foreign bodies and underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. Age and sex of the patients, symptoms, type of the foreign body, esophageal stricture level, methods used for preoperative diagnosis, type of surgical procedure, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Seventeen (56.6%) patients had a foreign body in the first narrowing, 12 (40%) in the second narrowing, and one (3.3%) in the third narrowing. A rigid esophagoscopy was performed in all cases. However, successful removal was not achieved in two (6.6%) cases, and foreign bodies were removed through cervical esophagotomy in one (3.3%) patient and through esophagotomy with right thoracotomy in one (3.3%) patient. Postoperative complications included esophagitis in seven patients (23.3%) and wound infection and pneumonia in two patients (6.6%). The median length of hospital stay after treatment was 1.09 days in patients without complications and 3.3 days in patients with complications. There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of complications and the length of hospital stay (p=0.002). The foreign body was successfully removed in all patients, and no mortality was observed. Early diagnosis and emergency intervention can reduce complications, particularly considering the possibility of non-food and sharp-edged foreign bodies that pose a higher risk of damaging the digestive system, in patients with mental retardation than those without such conditions.

Rigid Esophagoscopy for Foreign Body Extraction: Results and Complications in the Endoscopic Era.

Introduction Rigid esophagoscopy (RE) has long been a part of otolaryngology practice. In the past decades, the procedure was less commonly performed due to the advances and availability of flexible endoscopic techniques. This study aims to describe the outcomes of RE performed to treat foreign body ingestion and to evaluate risk factors associated with postoperative complications. Methods Patients who underwent RE to treat foreign body ingestion in an otolaryngology emergency department of a Portuguese tertiary university hospital, between 2010 and 2020, were included. A total of 162 cases were analyzed, and data was collected retrospectively. Results The most common foreign bodies were meat bone (31.5%, n = 47), food impaction (28.8%, n = 43), and fish bone (19.5%, n = 29). The proximal esophagus was by far the most frequent location (80%, n = 118). Esophageal perforation occurred in 8% (13 patients), and there was a 2.5% (n = 4) mortality rate. The odds ratio of an esophageal perforation if the foreign body was completely or partially located outside the proximal esophagus was 4.67 times that of a foreign body exclusively in the proximal esophagus (OR = 4.67 [95% CI: 1.39-15.72]; p = 0.016; Fisher's exact test). Conclusion RE remains an effective and important technique in the management of ingested foreign bodies, particularly if endoscopic removal is unsuccessful. Foreign body location outside the proximal esophagus was associated with esophageal perforation.

Sequelae of dawdled presentation of accidental buttonbattery ingestion – A case report on emerging hazard

Aim:To present a case report of button battery ingestion in a 1-year-old child brought after 16 h of ingestion.Methodology:The child was brought with complaints of button battery ingestion. X-ray of the chest with abdomenwas done to confirm position. An immediate rigid esophagoscopy was done and deformed leaking battery wasremoved from cricopharynx, leaving circumferential blackish slough with ulcer from 12 to 15 cm.Results:The child was under constant observation for monitoring complications. On day 5, feeding gastrostomywas done. On follow-up day 25, barium swallow showed no leakage or stricture formation. Day 45 follow-up uppergastrointestinal scopy revealed short segment stricture and was dilated with endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidedballoon. The child is thriving well and is under regular follow-up to track expected complications earlier.Conclusion:The increased marketing and use of lithium cells is responsible for the rise in incidence ofbutton battery ingestion. Button batteries are characterized by damage progression and a wide spectrum ofcomplications. Clinicians must do their best in early removal, avoiding and expecting delayed complications, andtreat as they arise. Afterall, prevention needs to be the prime goal.

Özofagusta yabancı cisim bulunan 232 hastanın analizi

Background: Esophageal foreign bodies (EFB), which can be seen in adults as well as being more common in the pediatric population, are important because of their serious and life-threatening complications when diagnosed late. For this reason, we aimed to review EFBs. Materials and Methods: Hospital records of 232 patients who underwent emergency rigid esophagoscopy with the prediagnosis of EFB in our clinic between January 2007 and April 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Esophagoscopy was performed with rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia. Results: Of these patients, 134 (57.8%) were male. The median age was 5.50 years ± 2.12 years in the pediatric population and 50.26 years ± 16.33 years in the adult population. The mean time from insertion of the foreign body into the esophagus to removal with a rigid esophagoscope was 13.1 hours. The foreign body was localized in the cervical esophagus at a rate of 67.5%. In the pediatric group, the most encountered foreign body was a metal coin, while in the adult group, it was a bone fragment. Rigid esophagoscopy (n = 160) or direct laryngoscopy (n =72) was used for the removal of the EFB. Esophageal perforation was seen in a total of 7 (3.0%) patients. Mortality was observed in 3 (1.3%) of our patients. Mortality was observed in 3 (1.3%) of our patients. Two of these were due to mediastinitis, and one was due to additional diseases. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and treatment of EFBs is important because of the seriousness of their complications. Foreign body removal by rigid esophagoscopy is a reliable treatment method that should be performed as soon as possible. If the foreign body is sharp-edged and has penetrated the esophageal wall, it cannot be removed without complication; it should be removed by surgical operation.

Double coin ingestion in a child: a rare occurrence

Foreign bodies in the esophagus pose a common ENT emergency, often involving a single coin that typically passes without harm. However, the occurrence of paired coin foreign bodies is exceptionally rare. A notable case involves a 3-year-old child who presented to the ENT emergency department with sudden dysphagia and vomiting. A plain X-ray of the soft tissue in the neck and chest revealed a unique finding-a double circular opacity in the cervical esophagus, indicating the ingestion of two foreign bodies in perfect radiological alignment. Given the rarity of such cases, coupled with the challenges in diagnosis when a comprehensive history is unavailable, this instance stands out. The child underwent a rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia to address the situation. This case underscores the importance of considering uncommon scenarios in clinical practice and the necessity for thorough diagnostic approaches, especially in the absence of a detailed patient history. The presentation of dual foreign bodies in precise radiological alignment adds a layer of complexity to the diagnosis, highlighting the need for a nuanced and vigilant approach in managing such infrequent but potentially serious cases in the ENT emergency setting.

Hybrid primary puncture in stapler-assisted total laryngectomy.

In Video S1, a new surgical technique for hybrid primary tracheoesophageal (TE) puncture in stapler-assisted total laryngectomy is shown. The video describes the surgical steps of the procedure and illustrates some tips and tricks. The procedure incorporates an upper mini-pharyngotomy to enable retrograde placement of the voice prosthesis (VP), eliminating the need for rigid esophagoscopy. This has made it possible to exploit, without additional risks, the potential of the stapler combined with primary TE puncture and VP placement. In our experience, this hybrid procedure in stapler-assisted total laryngectomy is not related to adverse events such as pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), hypertonicity, and functional complications. Therefore, it can be considered a valid technique that allows for easy insertion of a primary voice prosthesis also in case of mechanical sutures.

OGC P35 A clinical audit looking at how efficient the current pathways are for detecting upper oesophageal cancer

Abstract Background Dysphagia is a red flag symptom of possible oesophageal cancer. Patients are referred to gastroenterology, Upper GI Surgery or Otolaryngology. The referral pathway is determined by whether the symptoms are thought to be oropharyngeal or oesophageal in nature. Often, correlation between patient’s perception of the level of dysphagia and the anatomical location of the underlying cause is unreliable. This can result in a number of patients receiving either a delayed complete examination of the oesophagus or not receiving one at all. Our aim was to identify potential delays in the diagnostic pathway of patients with suspected upper oesophageal malignancy. Methods A retrospective analysis of 348 patients with a confirmed histological diagnosis of oesophageal cancer between January 2021 – March 2023 was performed. Only patients with cervical oesophageal cancer up to 20cm were included. The time between GP referral and commencement of treatment was compared against NHS England standards. The initial investigation ordered for those patients after being referred to the specialist was reviewed in order to identify any diagnostic delays. According to NICE guidelines, all patients with dysphagia should be referred for oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) urgently. Barium swallow should not be the first line investigation for suspected oesophageal cancer. Results 14 cervical oesophageal cancer cases were identified. 5 cases discussed at UGI Multidisciplinary meeting with incidental diagnosis were excluded. All remaining 9 cases were discussed at both Head and Neck and UGI MDMs. 6/9 patients were first referred to ENT with dysphagia. The remaining 3/9 were referred to either Gastroenterology or UGI. 4/9 patients had OGD whereas 5/9 had barium swallow and 7/9 rigid oesophagoscopy organized by ENT. Interestingly, 4/5 barium swallow tests were the first line investigation. Median interval from GP referral till start of treatment was 108 days which is almost double compared to the standards (62 days). Conclusions This study highlights significant delays in the diagnostic pathway of patients referred from GP with dysphagia and suspected cervical oesophageal cancer. It appears that this group of patients enters a pathway without a clear diagnostic consensus. Patients with red flag dysphagia symptoms for suspected malignancy should have direct visualisation of the oesophagus irrespective of whether the initial assessment occurs within head and neck or upper gastrointestinal suspected cancer pathways.

Diagnostika heterotopické žaludeční sliznice horního jícnu a její vliv na sliznici hrtanu

Introduction: Heterotopic gastric mucosa of the proximal esophagus (IP – inlet patch) is an islet of gastric mucosa close to the upper esophageal sfincter. Its cells may be able to produce acids and digestive enzymes. Methodology: Prospective study from 2020–2021 follows patients of groups A and B who underwent gastroduodenal endoscopic procedure or direct esophagoscopy in general anesthesia. In group C, patients with confirmed inlet patch underwent ENT videoendoscopic procedure to asses any laryngeal mucosa damage. Results: The prevalence of IP in our group was determined to be 4.87%. We diagnosed 40 IPs out of 821 examinations performed. Group C does not show any signs of laryngeal mucosal damage in patients with inlet patch. Conclusion: The prevalence of IP in the Nový Jičín region was 4.87%. In our study group, we didn’t find any significant laryngeal mucosal damage in patients with IP. t is necessary to think about IP in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux without the effect of conservative therapy as a possible cause of difficulties. In the treatment of extraoesophageal reflux, which is difficult to influence with conservative therapy, it is advisable to supplement the gastrofibroscopic examination with a focus on the evidence of IP and its biopsy. Keywords: heterotopic gastric mucosa – inlet patch – GERD – extraesophageal reflux – rigid esophagoscopy

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Barium Swallow For Dysphagia, Keeping Rigid Esophagoscopy As The Gold Standard

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Barium Swallow in detection of patients presenting with dysphagia.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional validation study.
 Study Setting & Duration: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, District Headquarter Hospital Rawalpindi from 01-09- 2022 to 01-03-2023.
 Materials and Methods: Approval of the study was obtained from the Hospital Ethical Committee. A total of 111 patients both male and female patients were selected. The patients suffering from dysphagia as per operational definitions and who have reported for work-up to the Department of ENT, District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, and fulfill the complete inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. Patients were selected by consecutive non-probability sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS 24.
 Results: A total of 111 patients were included in this study. The mean age of these patients was 50.79 ± 13.01 years, ranging from 28 to 70 years. The frequency distribution of females 70.27 % was found to be more than that of males 29.73 %. Majority of patients' barium swallow (74.77%) revealed pathologies, while only a small percentage of patients (25.23%) had normal barium swallow. Most of patients (87.39%) had pathologies found during rigid esophagoscopy, while just a small number (12.61%) had normal rigid esophagoscopy. Comparing both investigating tools, esophagoscopy discovered 87.39% of pathologies while Barium swallow detected 74.77%, indicating that esophagoscopy was a more accurate procedure. Patients had esophageal web 55 (25.2%) on barium swallow and 69 (62.2%) on the Rigid esophagoscopy. Barium Swallow had esophageal stricture 28 (52.2) and no Pathology was detected in 28 (25.2 %) patients. As well as Rigid esophagoscopy had esophageal growth13 (11.7), esophageal stricture 15 (13.5), and no Pathology was detected in 14 (12.6 %). Rigid esophagoscopy is more efficient in detecting esophageal pathology than Barium Swallow. In Barium swallows most patients had esophageal web 55 (25.2%) than the esophageal stricture 28 (52.2) and no pathology was detected 28 (25.2). In rigid esophagoscopy most patients had esophageal web 69 (62.2%) than the esophageal growth13 (11.7), esophageal stricture 15 (13.5) and no pathology detected 14 (12.6).
 Conclusion: A range of diseases are associated with dysphagia can be found in patients. Two often used diagnostic methods are barium swallow and rigid esophagoscopy. Both Barium swallow and Rigid esophagoscopy are successful in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. The use of a Rigid esophagoscopy is still a gold standard diagnostic and therapeutic tool for upper aerodigestive tract pathologies.

Protocolized awake secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with immediate voicing.

Tracheoesophageal (TE) puncture with voice prosthesis placement is a common method for vocal rehabilitation in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP) placement after laryngectomy, known as secondary TE puncture, is traditionally done in the operating room, using rigid esophagoscopy. Traditional secondary TEP placement carries a number of downsides including risks associated with general anesthesia, high cost, and technical challenges associated with anatomical variables. As a result, in-office secondary TE puncture has become an increasingly utilized procedure with many advantages but currently lacks standardization. Here, we describe a kit-based, awake, in-office secondary TE puncture with primary TEP placement technique. This technique calls for an endoscopic snare in the event there is difficulty passing the guidewire in the cranial trajectory. No surgical technique videos demonstrating in-office secondary TE puncture currently exist. Here, we present a video tutorial of our technique, breaking down the procedure into 10 steps from analgesia to voicing.

Ambu® aScope™ as a Gastroscope in Emergency Situations: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract The working principles of the bronchoscope and gastroscope differ in the fact that the anatomical structures which they interrogate have different collapsibility. The trachea and bronchi are supported by cartilage which make then non-collapsible, hence no external support is needed to visualise their lumen. The oesophagus on the other hand is a collapsible structure which requires air insufflation to investigate the lumen. The modern anaesthesiologist is well versed with the bronchoscopy equipment but is not accustomed to using a gastroscope even though transoesophageal echocardiography is also a modified gastroscope. The proper gastroscopy done by the gastroenterologists or the rigid oesophagoscope needs time and logistical support, which might not be possible every time in the perioperative period. Here, the author tries to demonstrate the use of a flexible bronchoscope (Ambu® aScope™) as a gastroscope in emergencies in the perioperative period.

Unusual presentation and management of a penetrating foreign body in the pyriform fossa: a case report

Foreign body impaction in the upper aerodigestive tract is considered an emergency that necessitates extraction within 24 hours to prevent adverse events. Rigid oesophagoscopy is crucial in managing sharp, penetrating, and large foreign bodies lodged in the pharynx or at the cricopharyngeus muscle level. In this case report, a 15-year-old male patient presented with throat pain after consuming a chicken meal. He experienced dysphagia and odynophagia but no vomiting, drooling, or hematemesis. Initial video direct laryngoscopy did not reveal any foreign body, and subsequent rigid oesophagoscopy under general anaesthesia was inconclusive. However, a post-operative X-ray of the neck confirmed the presence of a foreign body. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed the foreign body penetrating the right pyriform fossa. With the assistance of a medical gastroenterologist, a flexible upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed, and the foreign body was successfully removed from the right pyriform fossa. Prompt endoscopic removal under conditions of minimal trauma and maximum safety is the preferred treatment approach for foreign bodies in the upper aerodigestive tract, necessitating a multidisciplinary team involving radiologists, otorhinolaryngologists, medical gastroenterologists, and anesthesiologists to develop tailored treatment plans for each patient.

Clinical characteristics and serious complications of esophageal button battery ingestion in the pediatric on 83 cases

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and complications of esophageal foreign bodies of button battery ingestion in children. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study included 83 children who were hospitalized in our hospital on account of button battery ingestion from January 2011 to December 2021. There were 50 males (60.2%) and 33 females (39.8%). The age ranged from 7.6 months to one month off 10 years, with a median age of 18 months. The data of patient demographics and time from ingestion to admission, location, symptoms, management, complications, and follow-up outcome were recorded. SPSS17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Seventy-two children (86.7%) were younger than 3 years old. The time from ingestion to admission ranged from 1 h to 2 months, with a median time of 8 h. Among the 63 children who were first diagnosed in our hospital, the most common clinical symptoms were nausea and vomiting (32 cases, 50.8%), dysphagia (31 cases, 49.2%), salivation (11 cases, 17.5%) and fever (10 cases, 15.9%). Seventy-three of 83 cases had complete preoperative diagnostic tests, and 55 cases (75.3%) were diagnosed by X-ray. In 56 cases (76.7%), the foreign badies were impacted in the upper third of esophagus. In 72 cases (86.7%), the foreign badies were removed by rigid esophagoscopy. 23 (27.7%) had serious complications, including tracheoesophageal fistula in 15 cases(TEF;65.2%), vocal cord paralysis (VCP;34.8%) in 8 cases, esophageal perforation in 3 cases (EP;13.0%), hemorrhage in 3 cases(13.0%), mediastinitis in 3 cases (13%), and periesophageal abscess in 1 case (4.3%). There were significant differences in the exposure time of foreign bodies and unwitnessed ingestion by guardians in the complications group (P<0.05). 2 cases died (2.4%)respectively due to arterial esophageal fistula bleeding and respiratory failure caused by stent displacement during the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula. Conclusion: Accidental button battery ingestion can be life-threatening. and it mostly happens in children under 3 years old. Serious complications may happen cause of non-specific clinical manifestations and unwitnessed ingestions. Anterior and lateral chest X-ray is the first examination choice. Tracheoesophageal fistula is the most common serious complication.