Description

• Esophageal foreign bodies (FBs) typically lodge at 3 sites of physiologic constriction:
  • Cricopharyngeal muscle – 63%, most common (C6)
  • Gastroesophageal junction – 20% (T11)
  • Aortic arch – 10% (T4)
• 90% of ingested FBs pass spontaneously
• 10–20% are removed endoscopically, and 1% or less require surgery

Etiology

• Most common adult and adolescent FBs are food boluses and bones
• Increased risk:
  • Edentulous adults
  • Intoxicated patients
  • Patients with underlying esophageal disease: Schatzki B-rings or peptic strictures are most common

• 80% of FB ingestions occur in pediatric age group, peak ages 6 mo–6 yr, particularly younger than 2 yr
• Coins are most common:
  • 80% of esophageal FBs
• 2 additional areas of constriction: Thoracic inlet (T1) and tracheal bifurcation (T6)