Endoscopy in treatment of foreign bodies of the esophagus and upper gastraintestinal tract in children:A report of 30 cases

Objective:To investigate the methods and techniques in treatment of the esophagus and upper gastraintestinal tract in children with endoscopy.Methods:The data of 30 children with upper gastrointestinal tract foreign bodies between June 2000 and June 2004 were summarized retrospectively.All the cases were examined and treated with emergency endoscopy.The foreign bodies were taken out under general anesthesia or laryngopharynx local anesthesia with all kinds of medical instruments.Results:Of the 30 children(32 pieces of foreign bodies),the foreign bodies were taken out under non-general anesthesia in 28 cases and under general anesthesia in two cases.Nineteen pieces of foreign bodies were in the esophagus,9 in the stomach and 2 in the duodenum.Thirty one pieces of foreign bodies were successfully removed from 29 children,leaving no complications,bun one piece of foreign body which was located in the small intestine in one child failed to be taken out.The successful rate was 96.7%.Only one child showed transient breath inhibition and no other complications occurred in the operating process.Conclusions:Endoscopy therapy,which is simple,safe and effective should be the first choice for children patients with upper gastrointestinal tract foreign bodies.