ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN BODIES IN CHILDREN

The findings of a retrospective analysis of the 223 children admitted with diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies that were managed at the hospital are reported. In the majority of cases, ingestion of the foreign body was either witnessed or suspected. Removal was completed with the use of general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The postcricoid area was the commonest site for impaction. Coins (%54.4) were the commonest foreign body. Approximately 2.2 % of children had more than one foreign body. 2.7 % of children had esophageal anomalies. External approach for the retrieval of foreign bodies was necessary in two patients. Complications occurred in 10% of patients; there were no death.