Two cases oj dentures impacted in the oesophagus are presented. One patient had an intrathoracic perforation oj the oesophagus. The complications arising from. impacted foreign bodies and attempts at its removal are discussed. It is suggested that primary oesophagostomy and extraction of the foreign. body may be the better alternative than repeated attempts at extraction through the oesophagoscope.
Oesophageal intubation is rapidly fatal if not recognised. We report a patient who not only survived an oesophageal intubation but who had chest X-rays taken which showed an oesophageal intubation which was initially recognised by the attending physician.
Impaction of food usually occurs in patients having obstructive lesions of the oesophagus. The food bolus impaction normally occurs in patients older than 60 years of age. Though food bolus impaction in the oesophagus is not uncommon, food bolus in the oesophagus causing complete obstruction resulting in total dysphagia is rare. This is a case report of a woman who had complete obstruction of the oesophagus following impaction by a piece of meat. The various treatment modalities available for such a condition are discussed.
Dried fish bones from eight species of Malaysian fish were placed in an animal cadaver at four sites (tonsil, valleculae, larynx and oesophagus) and radiographed using a double and a single film-screen combination. The use of the single film-screen combination resulted in visibility of all fish bones placed in the larynx, two of which were not visible on the double film-screen combination. There was a 50% increase of the visibility of the fish bones in the oesophagus using the single film-screen combination. The difference in dose and cost between the two different film-screen combinations was not significant.
Impacted foreign bodies in the trachea and esophagus are common. In the esophagus, these are usually bones, while for the trachea, it is commonly some form of seed or nut. The incidence of impacted dental prostheses is not highlighted in the literature. They usually have a definite history of ingestion, frequently during trauma, seizures, or sleep. Prompt management in a safe and effective manner is required if significant morbidity, and even mortality, is to be avoided.