SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE OF ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC FOREIGN BODIES

Abstract

Objective: To report our experience and outcomes of endoscopic management of esophageal and gastric foreign bodies (FBs).

Methodology: In this retrospective case series, we presented the data of 51 cases of children having age 1-10 years, who presented to Children Hospital Complex, Multan with ingested foreign bodies within a period of 10 years from 2007 to 2017. Flexible endoscope was used to remove foreign bodies. Demographic and endoscopic data, including age, gender, types and location of foreign bodies were noted. Success of endoscopic procedures was the main study end point.

Results: There were 51 children in this study with a mean age of 4.33 ±2.49 years. There were 29 (56.9%) male and 22 (43.1%) female children. Most commonly presetting complaint was history of foreign body ingestion 41 (80.4%), 10 (19.6%) had dysphagia and 5 (9.8%) presented with sense of lump in the chest. Most common type of FB was coins that were ingested by 28 (54.9%) children while button batteries were ingested by 14 (27.2%). FBs were present in esophagus in 22 (43.1%) patients and 29 (56.9%) were present in the stomach. Endoscopic removal was successful in 49 (96.1%) patients.

Conclusion: Coins and button batteries were the most common source of foreign bodies in children. Flexible endoscopy was found to be an excellent tool for the removal of foreign bodies.