Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of the patients with esophageal foreign bodies, which may lead to severe complications and death.

Materials and Methods: In this study, we retrospectively investigated 329 patients who were hospitalized and treated between August 2003 and August 2007 with the diagnosis of esophageal foreign body.

Results: Of the patients, 189 (57.4%) were male and 140 (42.6%) were female. The mean age of the patients age was 28.4 years, and 210 of patients (63.8%) were under 15 years of age. Location of the foreign body was at the first narrow section in 88% of patients. Metal coin was the most common foreign body detected in 193 (58.7%) patients, and it was removed with McGill clamp via direct vision. The second most common esophageal foreign body was bone particles. Esophageal perforation developed in three patients who had swallowed bone particles. Surgical repair was performed on these patients.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal foreign bodies is important due to their possible life threatening and severe complications. Removing the foreign body with esophagoscopy is the most effective and reliable treatment method.