Cervical Esophagotomy for Removal of an Ingested Clam Shell: A Very Uncommon Foreign Body Ingestion

Abstract

Objective: To report the removal of an ingested clam shell that was firmly impacted in the esophagus.

Clinical presentation and intervention: A 77-year-old man presented at our hospital with acute dysphagia after eating a seafood risotto. An urgent dedicated examination (noncontrast helical multislice computed tomography scan of the neck and flexible esophagoscopy) detected a clam shell lodged in the upper esophagus. After several unsuccessful endoscopic attempts, a lifesaving cervical esophagotomy was performed and the foreign body was retrieved.

Conclusion: This patient who ingested clam shell recovered well following the retrieval of the foreign body by performing a lifesaving cervical esophagotomy.

Keywords: Clam shell; Esophagotomy; Foreign body ingestion.