ENDOSCOPIC REMOVAL OF A FISH BONE STICKING IN THE THORACIC ESOPHAGEAL WALL WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED BY CT BEFORE TREATMENT : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A 73-year-old man swallowed a fish bone when he was eating Arajiru. After that, he continued to have a feeling that something was stuck. He was admitted to our hospital after three days because this symptom did not improve. Chest CT scan revealed a high-density area in the thoracic esophagus, and it was regarded as a fish bone. On the CT scan, there was no finding that suggested esophageal perforation. Upper esophagogastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a flat fish bone whose edges were stuck in the esophageal wall. It was able to be removed endoscopically, because we could recognize its shape on the CT scan in advance. Areas of the esophageal wall which had been pierced by edges of the fish bone became ulcers, but we determined that the wall was not perforated. He was treated conservatively and attained remission. For a patient with a fish bone sticking in the esophageal wall, CT scan should be performed before treatment, and its shape should be confirmed. If possible, endoscopic removal is recommended.