Selective upper endoscopy for foreign body ingestion in children: an evaluation of management protocol after 282 cases

Abstract

Purpose: Foreign body ingestion is a common problem in both children and adults. This study aims to evaluate a management protocol where endoscopic examination was only selectively used after routine direct laryngoscopy to minimize patient discomfort and the need for general anesthesia in children. Method: A management protocol for foreign body ingestion based on symptoms was introduced in 1998 and records of children admitted to a university-affiliated hospital between January 1999 and October 2005 with suspected foreign body ingestion were evaluated. Symptoms, radiologic and endoscopic findings, and outcome were reviewed. Results: A total of 282 patients were admitted. The mean age of patients was 5.75 years (range, 9 months to 17 years). There were 167 boys and 115 girls. Based on our protocol, 84 (29.8%) patients required an upper endoscopy. Fish bones were most commonly involved (68.8%). Foreign bodies, which were either removed or dislodged, were found during upper endoscopy in only 25 (8.8%) patients overall. All patients had an uneventful outcome. No complications or mortalities were encountered. There were no readmissions for those who did not undergo endoscopic examination. Conclusion: It is safe to selectively perform upper endoscopy depending on symptoms when managing children with foreign body ingestion. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.