Complications of foreign bodies in the esophagus

Major complications of foreign bodies in the esophagus carry significant mo rbidity and mortality risks. A retrospective case control study was perform ed to assess the factors associated with major complications. In total, 273 patients seen within a 7-year period were divided into 2 groups; 253 had n o or minor complications, and 20 had major complications. Age, sex, duratio n of the foreign body, total white cell count (TWC), and nature and site of the foreign body were analyzed in the 2 groups. The major complication rat e was 7.3%, Duration of the foreign body and TWC were the only statisticall y significant factors associated with major complications. Six patients req uired open neck exploration, 1 had an open thoracotomy, and 13 were treated by endoscopic removal. There were 2 deaths. Given the significant morbidit y and mortality risks, we conclude that patients with a prolonged history o f a foreign body in the esophagus and a raised TWC should be treated urgent ly.