Update on foreign bodies in the esophagus: diagnosis and management

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2013 Apr;15(4):317. doi: 10.1007/s11894-013-0317-5.

Abstract

Foreign body impaction in the esophagus is an important emergency that carries significant morbidity and potential mortality. The most common cause of esophageal foreign body obstruction in adults is meat bolus impaction above a pre-existing distal esophageal (mucosal) ring, peptic or malignant esophageal stricture, or eosinophilic esophagitis. Immediate evaluation of the airway, assessment of the urgency of removal, radiological evaluation to localize the object, endoscopic or surgical retrieval, and subsequent monitoring for complications are essential steps in the management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Esophageal Perforation / etiology
  • Esophagitis / complications
  • Esophagoscopy / methods
  • Esophagus*
  • Foreign Bodies / complications
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis*
  • Foreign Bodies / therapy
  • Humans