Three Cases of Foreign Bodies in the Hypopharynx and Esophagus Removed Using Sato Rigid Curved Laryngoscope

Abstract

There are many cases of foreign bodies in the hypopharynx or esophagus that are removed using a flexible fiberoptic upper gastrointestinal endoscope, however, there are also cases in which, due to the shape and size of the foreign body and/or the anatomical problems, it is difficult to remove foreign bodies using a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. Conventional rigid esophagoscopy can sometimes be difficult due to the problem of a narrow visual field. In these case, the Sato rigid curved laryngoscope strongly lifts the larynx and provides a wide field of view and space at the entrance of the esophagus from the hypopharynx.

Herein, we report three cases in which removal of a foreign body could be safely performed using the Sato rigid curved laryngoscope under general anesthesia.

The Sato rigid curved laryngoscope is a useful device to safely observe and remove foreign bodies, as a large working space can be secured due to expansion of the lumen of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus.