Endoscopic management of ingested foreign bodies and food impaction in esophagus

• Main Authors: Bir Singh, Sandeep Nijhawan, Kumar Shwetanshu Narayan, Amritesh Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 2015-07-01
• Series: Journal of Digestive Endoscopy
• Subjects: endoscopic management; esophagus; food bolus impaction; foreign body
• Online Access: http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.4103/0976-5042.165689

Foreign body (FB) in the esophagus is a common emergency presentation in all age groups, especially in children. The immediate risk can range from a minimal one to a life-threatening scenario. Food impactions generally occur when there is altered anatomy (rings, webs or strictures) or motility disorders of the esophagus. The initial management approach includes a thorough history and physical examination followed by radiological investigations. Flexible endoscopy not only confirms the diagnosis but also is the therapeutic modality of choice for removing FBs and relieving the obstruction. This review aims to provide a comprehensive approach towards endoscopic management of esophageal FBs based on current literature and personal experience. The management problems associated with different types of FBs have also been highlighted.