Foreign bodies in the oesophagus on the example of patients of the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology at the Medical University of Warsaw

Introduction. Foreign bodies in the oesophagus are one of the more frequent non-infectious reasons for a child’s visit to the hospital emergency room. Most often, children swallow items accidentally while having fun, learning about the world with the help of their senses, as well as when eating meals. It is coins, plastic or metal fragments of objects that are usually swallowed. Also, hard pieces of food may stick to the oesophagus. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse clinical symptoms as well as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients with suspicion of the presence of a foreign body in the oesophagus. Material and methods. The authors analysed clinical data of 49 patients hospitalized in the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology at the Medical University of Warsaw due to the suspicion or presence of a foreign body in the oesophagus. What was also analysed, was the diagnostic and therapeutic process during which the initial diagnosis was confirmed or excluded. Results. The authors analysed the symptoms with which patients came to the hospital, the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used and the results of treatment. Attention was paid to diagnostic difficulties that may be encountered by a physician in the Admission Room, and then an otolaryngologist qualifying the patient for interventional treatment or deciding on conservative procedures. Possible complications that may occur during ezophagoscopy are described. Conclusions. Foreign bodies in the oesophagus are a common problem in the paediatric population. The most common foreign objects are coins, metal or plastic items or food. The most dangerous foreign objects are disc batteries and sharp, large objects. Diagnostic imaging includes chest and neck X-ray, and in the case of non-contrasting bodies – X-ray with barium or a cotton ball soaked in contrast. The presence of clinical symptoms and/or imaging results suggesting the presence of a foreign body in the oesophagus is an indication for oesophageal endoscopy under general anaesthesia. Both rigid esophagoscopy and the use of a flexible fiberscope are burdened with a certain degree of risk, of which the parents should be informed before those are performer.