Objective: To study the management of esophageal foreign bodies.
Material and methods: A retrospective study was made of all rigid esophagoscopies performed for suspected foreign bodies in the esophagus by an otolaryngology department for ten years.
Results: Rigid esophagoscopy was performed for suspected foreign bodies in 46 patients (27 females, 19 males); age range 22 months to 88 years. In 40 cases an impacted foreign body was found. The most frequent location was the upper third of the esophagus (33/82.5%). The most common type of foreign body was chicken bones in adults (17/42) and coins in children (2/4). Nine patients (all adults) had complications.
Conclusions: Due to its low cost and morbility, flexible endoscopy is the first choice for managing esophageal foreign bodies. Rigid esophagoscopy is still an appropriate technique when flexible endoscopy fails or it is not possible.