FOREIGN BODY ESOPHAGUS: TYPES AND SITE OF IMPACTION

Background: One third of foreign bodies retained in the gastrointestinal tract are present in the esophagus. Their management depends on the anatomic location, shape and size and duration of impaction. This study was conducted to determine the type of esophageal foreign body, and their site of impaction. Material & Methods: This was a Descriptive study conducted at the ENT Department, Ayub Medical Institute, Abbottabad, from June 2012 to October 2012. A total of 57 patients were included in the study presenting with foreign body ingestion that underwent esophagoscopy under general anesthesia. The type and site of impaction of foreign body was noted. Results: A total of 57 patients were included with age ranging from 1 to 78 years, mean 14.60±21.13 years. The most common foreign body was coin (56%). The foreign bodies were seen most commonly among children of age 1–10 years (53%). Common site of impaction was at or above cricopharynx (68.5%). Conclusion: Esophageal foreign bodies are most commonly seen in children. Coins are the most common type and most of them were impacted at cricopharyngeal sphincter. Rigid endoscopy is the most commonly performed procedure to remove them.