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Extraction of esophageal foreign bodies in children: rigid versus flexible endoscopy

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Abstract

Purpose

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common and potentially serious problem in children. Both rigid (RE) and flexible (FE) endoscopic techniques are used for removal of esophageal FBs; however, there is no consensus amongst pediatric surgeons regarding the best method. This study reviewed our experience managing esophageal FBs using both techniques.

Methods

A 12-year retrospective review of children admitted with an esophageal FB between 1999 and 2012 was undertaken. Clinical data, management techniques, and complications were abstracted. Differences between these two groups were compared with standard statistical methods.

Results

657 children were treated for esophageal FB ingestion, of which 366 (56 %) were treated with FE. The most frequently ingested item was a coin (84 %), and FBs were most commonly lodged in the upper third of the esophagus (78 %). There was a slightly younger population in the FE group (4.0 vs. 3.3 years, p < 0.01), but otherwise no significant differences were found between the groups. The FB was successfully removed with the initially chosen technique in 97 % of patients.

Conclusions

Esophageal FBs may be successfully removed with either RE or FE. Since treatment failures were managed with conversion to the other technique, both procedures should be included in the training curriculum.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children’s of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Ave. S., Lowder Building Suite 300, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA

    Robert Russell, Alan Lucas, Joffre Johnson, Govarhana Yannam, Elizabeth Beierle, Scott Anderson & Mike Chen

  2. Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Russell Griffin

  3. Department of Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Carroll Harmon

Authors
  1. Robert Russell
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  2. Alan Lucas
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  3. Joffre Johnson
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  4. Govarhana Yannam
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  5. Russell Griffin
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  6. Elizabeth Beierle
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  7. Scott Anderson
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  8. Mike Chen
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  9. Carroll Harmon
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Correspondence to Robert Russell.

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Russell, R., Lucas, A., Johnson, J. et al. Extraction of esophageal foreign bodies in children: rigid versus flexible endoscopy. Pediatr Surg Int 30, 417–422 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-014-3481-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-014-3481-2

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