Abstract

The findings of retrospective analysis of the char's of 180 children admitted with the diagnoses of esophageal foreign bodies that were managed at the Hospital of Eta yes University for 13 years to the end of 1993 are reported. We performed the radiographic evaluation iv every patient to determine the utility of routine roentgenograms. All were referred for immediate roentgenograms. It includes plain radiographs of the neck and chest in postero anterior projection. In the presence of a nonopaque material, an esophagogram was performed to demonstrate the foreign body. The results were compared with the endoscopic findings. A foreign body was visualized in the esophagus of 156 patients (% 86.7) on plain roentgenography, 11 patients (% 6.1) on esophagogram. The proximal 1/3 of esophagus was the commonest site for impaction. Coins were the commonest foreign body. It has been recommended that all children with a history of foreign body ingestion immediately undergo roentgenography to locate the foreign body, regardless of symptoms. Failure to detect an esophageal foreign body despite continued symptoms mandates endoscopy because small foreign bodies may escape in radiographic detection. [.Journal of Turgut Özal Medical Center 2(2):172-176,1995]

Key Words: Foreign body, esophagus, x-ray roentgenography.