J Alberty1, C Müller, W Stoll. 1. Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Universitätsklinikum Münster. alberty.hno@uni-muenster.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The increasing use of flexible esophagoscopes leads to controversies regarding the current status of rigid hypopharyngo-esophagoscopy in case of suspected foreign body impaction. METHODS: In a retrospective investigation we analyzed 309 open tube hypopharyngo-esophagoscopies performed for suspected foreign body impaction. RESULTS: In 108 patients (35.0 %) a foreign body was detected endoscopically. 69 Patients (22.3 %) had other pathologic findings within the upper digestive tract. 72 % of the foreign bodies and 83 % of the pathologic findings were localized within the hypopharynx or the cervical esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: The superior diagnostic and therapeutic properties of the classical rigid endoscopy in this area underlines its still actual status in patients with suspected foreign body impaction.
BACKGROUND: The increasing use of flexible esophagoscopes leads to controversies regarding the current status of rigid hypopharyngo-esophagoscopy in case of suspected foreign body impaction. METHODS: In a retrospective investigation we analyzed 309 open tube hypopharyngo-esophagoscopies performed for suspected foreign body impaction. RESULTS: In 108 patients (35.0 %) a foreign body was detected endoscopically. 69 Patients (22.3 %) had other pathologic findings within the upper digestive tract. 72 % of the foreign bodies and 83 % of the pathologic findings were localized within the hypopharynx or the cervical esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: The superior diagnostic and therapeutic properties of the classical rigid endoscopy in this area underlines its still actual status in patients with suspected foreign body impaction.