Endoscopic Removal of an Impacted Sharp Foreign Body in the Esophagus

Jeen, Yoon Tae; Chun, Hoon Jai; Lee, Sung Joon; Lee, Jung Whan; Hur, Byung Won; Lee, Hong Sik; Song, Chi Wook; Lee, Sang Woo; Choi, Jae Hyun; Kim, Chang Duk; Ryu, Ho Sang; Hyun, Jin Hai

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies can be very difficult to manage. When attempting to remove such objects inappropriately, life threatening complications, such as perforation can occur. Terefore, surgical intervention generally affords a safer approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic remval of sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies using a dilatation method with an oral side balloon.
METHODS
A total of 17 patients (7 Male, 10 Female)with sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies underwent endoscopic Extraction. The following technique was successfully performed; an oral side balloon (Top Co., Japan) for esophageal variceal sclerotherapy was attached on the distal part of the endoscope. Under local anesthesia, the endoscope was inserted near the proximal part of the esophageal foreign body. Then, the oral side balloon was gradually dilated. Dilataion of the proximal part of the esophagus made it possible to release the sharp impacted foreign body from the esophageal wall.
RESULTS
The types of foreign bodies were fish bones (6 cases), press-through packages (6 ases), chichen bones (3 cases), dentures (1 case), and a watch (1case). Endoscopic removal was successful in all 17 cases without complications such as perforation.
CONCLUSIONS
This method of using an oral side balloon is safe and effective in removing sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies, preventing, surgery and possible perforation.