BALLOON EXTRACTION OF ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN-BODIES IN CHILDREN

Background: Whereas esophageal foreign bodies are commonly removed wit h rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia, selected foreign bodie s also can be removed using a Foley catheter balloon under fluoroscopi c control without anesthesia. The authors prefer to initially attempt removal of smooth, radiopaque esophageal foreign bodies using the ball oon technique and then proceed to rigid esophagoscopy if unsuccessful. Methods: The authors reviewed their 7-year experience with this appro ach in 276 children with esophageal foreign bodies. Results: One hundr ed seventy-three children underwent attempted balloon extraction, and 146 of these underwent successful removal with this method. Fifteen re mained lodged in the esophagus and were subsequently removed by esopha goscopy, and 12 passed into the stomach and were observed. The only co mplication was one episode of epistaxis that resolved. Success of the balloon method was not related to patient age, foreign body duration, location, or presenting symptoms. The use of more than 5 minutes of fl uoroscopy time was associated with a low likelihood of successful extr action. Conclusion: The balloon extraction technique is a safe and eff ective alternative to rigid esophagoscopy for the removal of selected esophageal foreign bodies in children. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saun ders Company.