Abstract
Esophageal foreign bodies are defined as foreign bodies that remain in the hypopharynx and/or the esophagus. More patients with esophageal foreign bodies have been both diagnosed and treated with flexible endoscopes such as electronic endoscopes or fiberscopes, so that we cannot know if the number of these patients is increasing or not. At least, patients with PTP foreign bodies have greatly decreased in Japan according to surveys by the Japan Bronchoesophageal Society and the responses of pharmaceutical companies. As most esophageal foreign bodies, including radiolucent ones, are definitely diagnosed with flexible endoscopes, it is better to treat them with flexible endoscopes. To accomplish this, we must choose and use the best foreceps and endoscope attachments including balloons, hoods and overtubes as shown by experiences with rigid esophagoscopes.
