Foreign Bodies in Esophagus: An Experience with Rigid Esophagoscope in ENT Practice

Ab s t r Ac t Background: Foreign body (FB) ingestion and impaction in the esophagus constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. One-third of foreign bodies retained in the gastrointestinal tract are present in the esophagus and mostly in children require endoscopic removal with rigid esophagoscopy. Aims and objectives: This study seeks to highlight the challenges in the management of esophageal FB using rigid esophagoscopy. It will also evaluate the outcome of management. Their management depends on the anatomic location, shape, size of the foreign body, and duration of impaction. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of 60 patients with confirmed esophageal foreign bodies that were managed in the ENT department of SCL Hospital, NHL Medical College, Ahmedabad, from January 2016 to June 2018. Demographic and clinical data were documented, and simple statistical tables were used to illustrate the data. Results: The data of 60 patients were retrieved from ENT emergencies. Fifty (83.33%) patients had radiologic confirmation of foreign bodies in their esophagus, and 10 (16.67%) were further confirmed during esophagoscopy. There were 35 (58.33%) males and 25 (41.67%) females with male:female ratio of 1:1.4. The age range was 1–70 years with a mean of 35 ± 6.88 years. Majority of the foreign bodies, 50 (83.33%), were impacted in the cricopharyngeal sphincter of the esophagus. Dentures ranked highest among the adult population, 15 (25%) cases, while coins ranked highest in the pediatric populations, 20(33.33%) cases. Six (10%) cases presented to the hospital after 72 hours. Complications occurred in 5 (8.33%) cases. Conclusion: The management of impacted esophageal foreign bodies with rigid esophagoscopy was safe, reliable, and an effective procedure despite its challenges.