[Endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the esophagus. Results of a retrospective series of 501 cases].
We present the results of a retrospective study of endoscopic management (with flexible endoscopy) in 501 patients admitted for suspected ingestion of a foreign body between 1977 and 1997. The mean age of the patients was 55.73 19.38. Foreign bodies were found in the esophagus in 322 patients (64.3%) and endoscopic removal was successful in 307 (95.35%). More experienced endoscopists, with more than 45 cases, had a higher success rate (98.1%) than did less experienced endoscopists (87.9%) (p < 0.01). The most frequent type of foreign body in our series was meat bolus (32.8%). Underlying disease was found in 38.9%, and peptic stenosis was the most frequent. The only severe complication found was esophageal perforation in one patient (0.3%). Emergency flexible endoscopy is the most effective method for managing patients admitted for suspected ingestion of a foreign body and for the removal of foreign bodies located in the esophagus.
Servei d'Aparell Digestiu, Hospital Universitari Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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Llompart
J
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Reyes
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D
Ginard
L
L
Barranco
J
J
Riera
J
J
Gayà
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A
Obrador
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies