Handheld metal detector confirmation of radiopaque foreign bodies in the esophagus.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the utility of handheld metal detectors in confirming the position of radiopaque foreign bodies in the esophagus before delayed endoscopic removal.


METHODS
Prospective study of patients evaluated between June 1, 1997, and August 31, 1999.


METHODS
Tertiary pediatric referral center.


METHODS
Twenty-six of 139 children presenting consecutively for evaluation of esophageal foreign bodies met eligibility criteria and completed the study protocol. Inclusion in the study was contingent on a delay of at least 6 hours from the time of diagnosis to the time of endoscopic removal. All patients underwent both radiographic evaluation and handheld metal detector scanning of the chest and abdomen on presentation and immediately before endoscopic removal.


RESULTS
All patients evaluated during the study period had coins lodged within the esophagus. Handheld metal detector scanning accurately confirmed this position before endoscopic removal in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that handheld metal detectors may obviate the need for repeated radiographs in patients whose foreign bodies cannot be removed at presentation.
Younger
R M
RM
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
Darrow
D H
DH
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019719:Diagnostic Equipment; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D008670:Metals