Esophageal foreign bodies in children – Diagnosis and Management

Introduction:

esophageal foreign bodies is a condition that requires emergency intervention, ENT surgeon, anesthesiologist, radiologist and pediatrician.

Objectives:

a clinical-statistical study of hospitalized cases of esophageal bodies in ENT Department Timisoara from 2013 to 2018.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 17 cases aged between 6 months and 5 years. The diagnosis of dysphagia with or without food stop was determined by history, clinical examination and radiological examination. Treatment consisted in esophageal foreign bodies' extraction by rigid esophagoscopy using Karl Storz esophagoscope kit for children. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia.

Results:

foreign bodies localization was: 11 cases at the esophagus mouth, 4 cases at bronchoaortic arch, and the remaining 2 cases at the cardia. By foreign body nature the incidence was: metallic foreign body (coin, battery) – in 12 cases; plastic foreign body (3 cases), organic foreign body – 2 cases. No major complications were encountered, evolution was good with a mean hospitalization of 2 days.

Conclusions:

esophageal foreign bodies' represents a major emergency in infant digestive pathology. It is absolutely necessary a multidisciplinary team, with a close collaboration between the ENT surgeon, pediatrician, radiologist and anesthesiologist to solve with maximum safety and minimal trauma.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)