Statistical observationes of the esophageal foreign bodies in our clinic during last 10 years

Abstract

From 1977 to 1986, 172 cases of esophageal foreign bodies were treated in the Department of Otolaryngology, Hokkaido University Hospital. The analysis of these patients are summarized as follows: 1. Age distribution of patients demonstrates that children under 5 years of age are most numerous, consisting 29% of all patients. 2. Coins were second most numerous (33 cases) and were found exclusively in children under 10 years of age. 3. Thirty six percent of the foreign bodies were fish bones, such as samon, sea scopion or cod-fish, which are the specialities of Hokkaido'area. 4. Seventy four percent of the foreign bodies were found lodging at the esophageal orifice. 5. Xerography was found quite effective in detecting fish bones or PTP in the esophagus.