Foreign body in the oesophagus

• Foreign body in oesophagus is most common in children
• In children: Coins, nuts, toys, button batteries, magnets
  • Button batteries are especially dangerous because they can short-circuit and perforate the oesophagus
• In adults: Fish bones, dentures
• Usually stuck in the hypopharynx or upper part of oesophagus
• Clinical features
  • Pain
  • Feeling of pressure
  • Dysphagia
• Diagnosis
  • X-ray
  • Oesophagoscopy
• Treatment
  • Nothing (if asymptomatic, low-risk)
    • Try eating moist, wet bread or buns (eases passing)
    • Endoscopic removal if not passed within 24 hours
  • Urgent endoscopic removal (if high-risk)