Esophageal foreign bodies: Food impaction and foreign bodies

Abstract

Esophageal foreign bodies and food bolus impactions occur frequently and are a common endoscopic emergency. Though the vast majority of gastrointestinal bodies do not result in serious clinical sequelae or mortality, it has been estimated that 1,500-2,750 patients die annually in the United States because of the ingestion of foreign bodies. More recent studies have suggested the mortality from GI foreign bodies to be significantly lower, with no deaths reported in over 850 adults and one death in approximately 2,200 children with a GI foreign body. As a result of the frequency of this problem and the rare but possible negative consequences, it is important to understand the patients at risk for food impactions and ingestion of foreign bodies, the best method for a prompt diagnosis, and the correct management with avoidance of unwanted complications.