USE OF FOLEYS CATHETER IN THE REMOVAL OF UPPER ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN BODY (COIN)

*Dr. Saiprasad Onkareshwar Kavthekar

ABSTRACT

Foreign bodies in the esophagus are common in the pediatric age group and coins account for majority. Diagnosis is not difficult but removal presents problems. Rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia remains the standard practice for the removal of esophageal foreign body. Although alternative methods like use of Foley’s catheter has been advocated for the removal of smooth objects in the uncomplicated settings. Here I report a case of successful removal of coin from upper esophagus in a 6 years boy by Foley’s catheter without fluoroscopic guidance or general anesthesia as an OPD procedure.

Keywords: Esophagus, Foreign body, Foley catheter.